Knicks Subs Survive in Preseason Thriller vs. Timberwolves

With New York Knicks fans finally back at Madison Square Garden for the first time in over fourth months, the team's primary stars more or less joined them to witness a thrilling preseason victory engineered by their reserves.

Following a strong showing for Mikal Bridges in the starting five, the Knicks' depth stars scored the first eight at the start of a rare preseason overtime session en route to a 100-95 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. It marked the first time that the Knicks' sneakers touched MSG hardwood since Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals in late May.

Back at home after sweeping the Abu Dhabi Games from Philadelphia, the Knicks (3-0) played their starters deep into the third period in an interconference clash with the Timberwolves. Starters struggled on the New York end to the tune of 12-of-45 from the field over the first 24 minutes.

Perhaps the most notable rotational developments were the fact that Landry Shamet got the first half minutes over Malcolm Brogdon and Guerschon Yabusele started the third quarter with the others starters over Mitchell Robinson.

It was a brilliant third quarter from Bridges that helped the Knicks stay afloat in a third quarter that saw them trail by as much as 11: Bridges scored 10 of his 15 points in the third and sank two of his three successful triples. That trio proved to be key on a night where all other Knicks were a united 12-of-50 with an extra point on the line while Bridges' fellow starters Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns were a combined 6-of-25 overall (though the latter earned a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds).

The Knicks took their first lead of the the second half when Pacome Dadiet hit a three with just over eight minutes remaining. From there, neither team led by more than four for the rest of regulation and overtime was eventually forced when Johnny Juzang hit one in the paint with just under 10 ticks to go.

OG Anunoby — Oct 9, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward/guard Og Anunoby (8) drives past Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images

A would-be winner from Garrison Mathews fell short, officially necessitating the extra session. Fortunately for the fans gathered, New York made quick work of the Wolves in OT, scoring the first eight points in a sequence punctuated by threes for Mathews and Tosan Evbuomwan.

Minnnesota (1-2) has had a flair for the dramatics this preseason, as the visit to MSG marked their second consecutive overtime game. Anthony Edwards led the way with 17 points while needing 17 tries from the field to get there while former Knicks star Julius Randle had 16 points on 4-of-10 to go with five boards.

The Knicks' exhibition affairs continue at MSG on Monday night when they play their penultimate preseason tilt against the Washington Wizards (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG/NBA TV).

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