Watch: Karl-Anthony Towns drains his first 3 after returning after four months

Minnesota Timberwolves star big man Karl-Anthony Towns made his much-anticipated return on Wednesday night against Atlanta. This comes after Towns missed 52 games due to a Grade 3 right calf strain that he sustained back on Nov. 28.

Upon his return, Towns quickly made his first basket in almost four months. This came early on in the first quarter when the big man got a soft bounce on a 3-pointer from the top of the arc.

Watch the play below:

How did Minnesota fare during Karl-Anthony Towns’ absence?

Minnesota Timberwolves star big man Karl-Anthony Towns

Over 52 games without Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota was able to tread water, going 26-26. This has kept them in play-in position in the Western Conference. Minnesota entered Wednesday night sitting ninth in the West (36-37) with just two games separating them from the fifth-placed LA Clippers (38-35).

Prior to Wednesday’s game, Wolves coach Chris Finch spoke about his expectations for Towns moving forward. Finch said that he just wants to see Towns play within the flow of the game and not try to force anything:

“Expectations are that he just kind of settles into the flow of the game, not try to do too much at this point in time,” Finch said.

“Most importantly, knock the rust off. Certainly want him to be himself but not at the expense of what we’re trying to do out there. And I think that’s pretty easy ask for him,” Finch continued.

Towns also spoke about his excitement regarding his return during a recent interview with The Athletic. Towns explained that he was just eager to get another chance to prove himself.

“I’m super excited to get out there again and show the world what I do best, and that’s be an all-world player and be one of the best players I can possibly be,” Towns said.

“I don’t have much time to get ready for the playoffs, but I know I’ll make it work as I’ve always done in every situation that I’ve been in with the Wolves,” Towns continued.

Towns averaged 20.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.7 blocks and 1.8 3-pointers per game on 50.5% shooting in 21 games before his injury.