The Timberwolves' 115-104 win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday was one of their best wins of the season thus far. Still, it did feel a bit bittersweet considering it came at the expense of an old friend in Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns poured in 40 points in front of his former home crowd, but it wasn’t enough for a Knicks team that’s lost two of four since winning the NBA Cup.

The Timberwolves didn’t quite have a 40-point scorer to match Towns’ performance. However, Anthony Edwards got about as close as you can get. Ant-Man tallied 38 points of his own on 15-of-27 shooting, while also collecting four steals and a block on the defensive end. 

Following the game, Edwards revealed that he wasn’t trying to keep up with Towns and that he didn’t even see that Towns had 40 until after the game. Regardless, it was still a fun scoring battle between two good friends and former teammates in front of a Minnesota crowd that still has an abundance of love for Towns despite his departure. 

“No, not really (trying to get 40),” Edwards said. “I didn't even know he had 40 until after the game. But I mean, he played his ass off. We all know how much of a special talent he is. But, yeah, I definitely wasn't trying to like match him or nothing. I was happy to see him do his thing.”

After spending the early years of his superstardom under the wing of the veteran Towns, Edwards still isn’t quite used to the feeling of seeing his old friend on the other side of the court.

“It still feesl kind of weird, but that's my brother, man,” Edwards said. “I love him, so wherever he at, I'ma salute, be on his side, and cheer for him.”

As happy as Towns is with the championship-contending Knicks, walking into the visitors locker room and checking into a hotel in the city he once called home was a strange feeling for him, too.

“You could be at peace with it, but it still stings when you're not walking in this locker room,” Towns said. “Coming to this amazing state, city, and realize you're not going to the training facility anymore. And now you're in a hotel. I think it hits different."

“I left my heart & soul here in Minnesota. For the fans, even after 2 seasons away, to respect me the way they do, think of me highly, appreciate what I left on the court, means a lot. It really means a lot.”