Yahoo Sports: The Ultimate Game-Day Destination

Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns were teammates who shared a close bond both on and off the basketball court. Spending hours together in the locker room and during practices, they grew to know each other like family. Their friendship extended beyond basketball, forming a strong connection that went beyond the game.

Back in October, Gobert was asked to share some insight on Towns for those in New York who didn’t know him well.

“A great human being, first of all. Someone that is very generous,” Gobert said in an interview with SNY. “I think he’s someone who cares about his community and someone who wants to win. I think he’s hungry for winning.

“Obviously he’s extremely talented, one of the most talented players in this league. And just a great guy. I think it’s an amazing opportunity for him, an amazing challenge for him to play in this market, especially in front of his family and being able to be an anchor for this team. I’m really excited to watch him take that challenge.”

So far, Towns has met the challenge head on. He enters Thursday’s game against Gobert and the Timberwolves leading the NBA in rebounding (13.9 per game) and 14th in scoring (24.8 per game), one spot behind Jalen Brunson.

Towns and Brunson have formed one of the NBA’s best pick-and-roll duos. They are the driving forces behind one of the best offenses in the league.

The Knicks (16-10) haven’t hit their stride yet this season. But the trade for Towns hasn’t held them back. It’s propelled them to a different level on offense. At this point, it’s fair to say that the Knicks have won the Towns trade. But winning the trade in mid-December is irrelevant. This trade will ultimately be judged by what happens in May and June.

That story is yet to be written. But Towns has certainly been up to the challenge that Gobert referenced. If there are any conclusions to draw in the first third of the season for this team, it’s that Towns has no problem performing in New York.