Knicks hold off Wolves rally; OG Anunoby scores 17

The beginning belonged to OG Anunoby, who was making his Knicks debut after a trade with the Raptors.

But the end belonged to Julius Randle. All he did was score eight points in the final 2:09 to help the Knicks hold off a furious rally and top the visiting Timberwolves 112-106 in the first game of 2024.

Randle erupted for 39 points and eight assists, while Anunoby scored 17 in 35 minutes, starting two days after the deal was completed. He also spent time defending Minnesota star Anthony Edwards — and that 3-and-D ability is exactly why the Knicks wanted Anunoby in the first place.

“First game, impressive just to be ready and figure it out on the fly (like he did),” coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters. “Played smart, hustled, played great defense.”

Edwards paced the West-leading Timberwolves with 35.

Final: Knicks 112, Timberwolves 106.

Knicks improve to 18-15 on the season.

• Randle 39 & 9, 14-24 FGs
• Anunoby 17 & 6, 3-6 3Ps
• Brunson 16 pts, 14 asts, 5-23 FGs
• DiVincenzo 15 & 4
• Hartenstein 7-9-3, 3 stls, 3 blks

— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) January 1, 2024