It is not widespread for a house crowd to cheer an opposing participant, particularly not one who has been taking part in in addition to Karl-Anthony Cities has throughout his first season as a member of the New York Knicks.
However on Thursday night time, that occurred when Minnesota followers gave their former star participant a loud ovation upon his return to the Goal Middle, solely to have him observe that up with an announcement efficiency.
From the second he was traded, Cities knew he must face the feelings of a homecoming on a chilly December day in Minnesota. And on Thursday night time, that occurred for Cities as he obtained a video tribute and a warm welcome from the one NBA franchise he knew previous to the blockbuster trade on Oct. 3.
The video tribute detailed Cities’ journey with the Timberwolves, from being drafted with the primary general choose within the 2015 NBA Draft, to serving to get Minnesota to its first Western Convention Finals look in 20 years in what turned his ultimate season with the franchise.
And it is smart for Minnesota followers to point out their appreciation for Cities, a participant who they watched develop up and who skilled loads of lean years earlier than with the ability to win within the playoffs.
Cities shared what feeling love from the Minnesota crowd means to him when asked during the TNT broadcast.
“It was emotional. It is at all times nice to get love again from a spot I devoted my life to. Actually joyful that the followers respect the work I gave right here.”
Cities additionally confirmed the followers in attendance what they’re lacking by throwing up a monster double-double in a Knicks’ 133-107 win. He scored 32 factors, grabbed 20 rebounds and helped out with six assists whereas connecting on 10-of-12 pictures from the sphere in 38 minutes.
In 9 years with the Timberwolves, Cities averaged 22.9 factors, 10.8 rebounds and three.2 assists per recreation. He was a four-time NBA All-Star, was named the 2016 NBA Rookie of the 12 months and even gained the NBA 3-Level Contest in 2022.
Now as far as a Knick, Towns entered the game averaging 24.8 factors, 13.8 rebounds and three.3 assists per recreation, all equating to his best individual season in years.
