“I’m an elite defender,” he said after collecting three blocks in the Knicks’ 125-119 overtime win. “I don’t think I got to say that.” With Karl-Anthony Towns shelved because of an injured thumb, Achiuwa, the Knicks’ lone frontcourt reserve behind starter Jericho Sims, played all but a few seconds of the fourth quarter and overtime.

The New York Knicks needed a player to step up big time on Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers with Karl-Anthony Towns out. Jalen Brunson stole the show on the scoring front, but Precious Achiuwa made his presence felt defensively.

Towns (thumb) will be a game-time call Friday against the Timberwolves, Ian Begley of SportsNet New York reports.

Achiuwa chipped in 10 points (4-6 FG, 2-4 FT), six rebounds, one assist, three blocks and one steal across 30 minutes during Wednesday's 125-119 overtime victory over the 76ers. It was the first time Achiuwa reached double digits in scoring since a Jan.

The shorthanded New York Knicks are facing a daunting test against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. The Knicks will take on the contending Timberwolves with All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns questionable with a thumb injury.

New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns is listed as questionable for Friday night's game against his former team due to a thumb injury. Towns reportedly has a bone chip and a sprain in his thumb. He doesn't need surgery and plans to play through this ailment,

The 7-footer is averaging 25.4 points and 13.9 rebounds per game — second-most in the NBA — in 38 appearances.

Whereas most play with a chip on their shoulder, New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns will operate with one in his thumb. Per Stefan Bondy and Peter Botte of

Only time will tell if New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns gets the thumbs up to face his former squad. Towns' right thumb, injured in Monday's game against

Karl-Anthony Towns has jumped into elite company within the NBA MVP race as the New York Knicks big man earns praise for strong season.

Karl-Anthony Towns' first game in Minnesota as an opposing player reminded the Timberwolves how valuable he was during his nine seasons there. On Friday night, the New York Knicks might join the Timberwolves in realizing just how tough it can be to win without the four-time All-Star.

SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley breaks down the Knicks' 125-119 OT win over the 76ers, Karl-Anthony Towns' sprained thumb, and Precious Achiuwa's impact on the game.