Randle Outshines in Stats, Towns Secures the Win — So, Who Really Won That Trade?

In today’s preseason matchup, the New York Knicks hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves in what many dubbed the “Randle vs. Towns” rematch. The two former trade pieces faced off once again, each eager to prove their worth.

Randle put up solid numbers with 16 points and 5 rebounds on 4-of-10 shooting, including 2-of-4 from deep and a perfect 6-for-6 from the line. Towns struggled offensively, shooting just 2-for-11 and missing all three of his three-point attempts, but he compensated with hustle—recording 10 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Despite the stats, it was Towns’ Timberwolves who emerged victorious, defeating the Knicks 100–95 in overtime.

For the Knicks, this was their third preseason game after back-to-back wins over the 76ers. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, were playing their second game, coming off a win against the Nuggets. Before tip-off, Randle fired up his teammates: “We need to set the tone on defense—and keep that energy all season long.”

Since the blockbuster trade in 2024 that swapped their destinies, Randle and Towns have been on intertwined paths. Towns led the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years, while Randle powered the Wolves to a second consecutive Western Finals. Though neither reached the NBA Finals, both proved their star quality.

Randle came out strong early, scoring 7 straight points in the first quarter, including a deep three that forced a Timberwolves timeout. Towns responded with 5 points of his own, drawing multiple fouls in quick succession. The duel heated up in the third quarter, with both players trading baskets and fouls in a high-energy exchange.

Overall, the Knicks struggled from beyond the arc (just 26.3% from three), but Mikal Bridges stepped up to keep them competitive. The Wolves relied heavily on Anthony Edwards and Randle’s contributions, though their overall shooting percentage barely cracked 40%. When both stars rested in the fourth, the bench trio of Južan, Terrence Shannon, and Tillingham pushed the game into overtime. Ultimately, the Knicks’ resilience carried them to a comeback win.

Randle may have posted the better numbers, but Towns left the court with the victory. As fans debate the outcome of that 2024 trade, one question lingers—who truly won in the end?