“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.

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

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

Towns (thumb) will not play Friday against Minnesota, Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News reports. Towns was a true game-time call and attempted to warm up, but the center will miss his second game in a row and remains day-to-day.

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.

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,

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 likely is the player the Knicks can least do without, especially with Mitchell Robinson still unable to practice.

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.

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

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.

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.