The Lakers faced off the Timberwolves on March 16th. The Wolves performed well in the last quarter to secure a 20 point win over the Lakers. During the game, a couple of Timberwolves mocked Russell Westbrook, which sent an unsportsmanlike message to the league. The Wolves are currently 7th in the Western Conference. Whereas the Lakers are hanging on the 9th seed in the West.
Players mock each other now and then, but mostly its banter. Though a player should be able to back it up.
Karl Anthony Towns going too far, mocking Westbrook
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With under 4 minutes to go in the 4th quarter, Westbrook gets a pass from LeBron in the corner. Being wide open, Westbrook goes for a three and shoots an air ball. The ball went right into the hands of Karl Anthony Towns, who then started mocking Russell Westbrook for his missed attempt.
Just then, as the Timberwolves called for a timeout, Patrick Beverley started mocking Westbrook as well.
This reaction was not taken lightly by the critics and some fans. As everyone questioned KAT’s accomplishments and his contribution to the Wolves in the past 7 years.
Karl Anthony Towns has had only one playoff appearance in the past 7 years
The last time the Wolves advanced into the playoffs was in 2018. Before the 2018 postseason, Wolves were last seen in the 2004 post-season where they made it to the Conference Finals.
Since the Wolves have drafted Towns, the team has played only once in the playoffs. KAT is in his 7th NBA season. And so far he has led his team to the first round of the playoffs.
Considering his current status, Stephen A. had some words for KAT, saying “Karl Anthony Towns, who we both love and respect, great brother, great player. You’ve been there 7 years, you’ve got one playoff appearance.”
He points out how KAT was mocking Westbrook, as he said, “And you sittin’ there and you mocking this brother at that particular moment of time”
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He also mentioned that people from the Wolves’ organization thanked him for his words on the Wolves’ players. Stephen A. also talked about the Wolves’ past performance.
WATCH THIS STORY: Karl-Anthony Towns Reveals a Disheartening Story; Urges People to Understand the Severity of the Situation
“But, for the Minnesota Timberwolves, to be like that when you’ve been what you’ve been as a franchise since KG left. It was like damn y’all.. really?”
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There was a negative reaction from critics, which might need to be taken seriously by the team. If the Wolves end up with their current standings, they might face the Lakers in the play-in tournament.
A match that would give Westbrook a chance to prove the Wolves wrong.