Karl-Anthony Towns rides historic 3rd quarter to Timberwolves franchise record 60 points

Karl-Anthony Towns had himself a night.

The Minnesota Timberwolves center broke his own franchise record with 60 points in a 149-139 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday. He needed just three quarters to tie his old team record, ending the stanza with 56 points. He slowed down in the fourth, but his 60-point total is the highest by anyone in the NBA this season.

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While Towns dominated most of the game, a historic third quarter was responsible for the bulk of his remarkable scoring night. He almost outscored the Spurs (33 points) on his own with a 32-point outburst in the third quarter.

Towns joins very short list with 3rd-quarter tally

The 32-point tally is the fifth-highest in a single quarter in NBA history. Only Klay Thompson (37), Kevin Love (34), George Gervin (33) and Carmelo Anthony (33) have scored more in a single quarter.

To round out the effort, Towns secured 17 rebounds, three assists and a steal. He shot 19 of 31 from the field, 7 of 11 from 3-point distance and 15 of 16 from the free-throw line in what can be safely described as an efficient scoring effort.

After the game Towns said that he believed that his mother Jacqueline Towns, who died of COVID-19 in 2020, was with him on his big night.

Towns posted his big night in 36 minutes with backup center Naz Reid injured. The win improved Minnesota's record to 40-30, which was good for seventh place in the Western Conference as of Monday night.

Towns has made three All-Star teams in his seven NBA seasons, but is seeking just the second postseason berth of his career. A 60-point game has him one step closer to that goal.