Towns returned to the hardwood after a one-game absence and posted an impressive stat line, leading the Knicks in points and rebounds while ending second in assists behind Jalen Brunson's 10. Towns has been excellent in his first year with the Manhattan franchise and has recorded 10 double-doubles in his first 12 games with New York.

Trendon Watford was cleared to play ahead of the Nets’ rematch against the Knicks on Sunday at Madison Square Garden, but Brooklyn was still without a healthy center and Karl-Anthony Towns was back on the court for New York after missing Friday’s interborough clash because of a knee injury.

But with consecutive wins over the rival Brooklyn Nets, the Knicks are close to passing a key test -- just as another one awaits. The Knicks will look to close out their homestand Monday night with a win against the Washington Wizards in the first battle of the season between the Eastern Conference rivals.