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          Karl-Anthony Towns receives memorable welcome to Target Center

          New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns smiles after receiving a reception before facing his old team, the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
          • ESPN staffDec 19, 2024, 09:47 PM ET

          Karl-Anthony Towns made his return to Minnesota to face his old team, the Timberwolves, on Thursday.

          The New York Knicks center was dealt by the Timberwolves days before training camp in September. Drafted No. 1 in 2015, he spent nine seasons with Minnesota. Towns earned four All-Star Game appearances and two All-NBA honors during his tenure with the Timberwolves. He posted a thank you video on social media hours before the game.

          Before the contest, the Timberwolves crowd returned the favor with a rousing ovation during a heartfelt video tribute.

          Here's a look at other notable happy returns for stars across multiple sports.

          NBA

          Klay Thompson, 2024

          Game stats: 22 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists

          Game results: Dallas Mavericks lose 120-117

          Thompson returned to the Bay Area in November to face his former team, the Golden State Warriors, at Chase Arena.

          Dubbed "Salute Captain Klay" night, the Warriors showered Thompson with love throughout the evening, highlighted by a video tribute that aired before his name was announced in the Dallas starting five and fans tipped their caps in respect.

          In his words: "I appreciate the fans very much. The captain's hat ended up being a great touch because I'm such a passionate boater. Saw a lot of familiar faces in the crowd, and that was a warmhearted feeling. It was really cool to see the fans, their gratitude towards myself -- and something I'll never take for granted. So it was very, very awesome."

          Damian Lillard, 2024

          Game stats: 25 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 1 steal

          Game result: Milwaukee Bucks lose 119-116

          After spending the first 11 years of his career with the Trail Blazers, Lillard played his first game in Portland as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks in January 2024.

          Fans gave him a standing ovation when his name was announced in the starting lineups at the Moda Center. The home team also played a video tribute after the first timeout, leading to another ovation for Lillard.

          In his words: "These types of games where there's a lot of meaning and a lot of emotion -- these are always fun. These games have a little bit more juice in them. That's what tonight was. It was an entertaining game."

          Russell Westbrook, 2020

          Game stats: 34 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds

          Game result: Houston Rockets lose 113-94

          Westbrook looked at home in his first game back in Oklahoma City. He had a game-high 34 points in a loss to the Thunder.

          The Thunder crowd welcomed Westbrook with a tribute video and chanted "MVP" after he was announced. He acknowledged how different it was to be on the opposing side but thanked the fans for their reception.

          In his words: "Some things you can't put into words. I've been here for so long and so many great memories, great people. The absolute best fans in the world because they come with it, and tonight they came with it."

          LeBron James, 2018

          Game stats: 32 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 block

          Game result: Los Angeles Lakers win 109-105

          Eight years after a raucous return to Cleveland while playing for the Miami Heat, James had a completely different experience when he faced the Cleveland Cavaliers for the first time as a member of the Lakers.

          The crowd roared when his name was called last during player introductions, and a tribute video left James emotional. He thanked each side of the arena.

          In his words: "I appreciate these fans, just as much as they appreciate me. ... So that was just my salute to them for them appreciating what I was able to accomplish with my teammates and coaches along those four years."

          Michael Jordan, 2002

          Game stats: 16 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks

          Game result: Washington Wizards win 77-69

          Three seasons after his second retirement from the Chicago Bulls, Jordan made his return to the NBA in 2001, signing with the Wizards. His first game back in Chicago included an emotional tribute.

          Jordan struggled from the field on 7-of-21 shooting and had nine turnovers in the Wizards win. He acknowledged the challenges of playing in front of his former home crowd.

          In his words: "I had a tough time playing against Chicago. It's like playing a relative, in a sense. It's not as intense, you're not quite as motivated."

          NFL

          Tom Brady, 2021

          Game stats: 22-of-43 passing, 269 yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions

          Game result: Tampa Bay Buccaneers win 19-17

          Playing against the New England Patriots for the first time, Brady was welcomed back with cheers before fans booed him during the game. He led the Buccaneers to a tight victory, driving them downfield for a 48-yard field goal with 1:57 left to take the lead.

          Brady reflected on the emotional night postgame.

          In his words: "It's not that I would predict what would happen. There were a few emotional moments thinking about the people that meant so much in my life. My football journey took me somewhere else."

          Peyton Manning, 2013

          Game stats: 29-of-49 passing, 386 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception

          Game result: Denver Broncos lose 39-33

          In one of the most anticipated returns in NFL history, Manning faced the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 7 of the 2013 season.

          The Colts played a 90-second tribute video for Manning, who responded by taking off his helmet and waving to the crowd in an emotional moment. Andrew Luck led the Colts to a win, giving the Broncos their first loss of the season -- and spoiling Manning's return.

          In his words: "Hopefully we'll have a chance to play these guys again because that would mean we made the playoffs. I think if there is a next time it may be a little bit easier just because it was somewhat of an emotional week and it can be a little bit draining."

          Emmitt Smith, 2003

          Game stats: 6 carries, -1 yards

          Game result: Arizona Cardinals lose 24-7

          The former Dallas Cowboys star returned to Dallas in an uneventful way as a member of the Cardinals. He had six carries for minus-1 yards and left the game with an injury in the second quarter. At the time, it was the only game of his career that he finished with negative rushing yards.

          Fans cheered for Smith the second he stepped on the field.

          In his words: "First time I went into Texas Stadium in a bus. On a visiting bus. Got off the bus, walked into the visitors locker room, saw my Cardinals uniform. And I looked around. I felt out of place. ... I said this out loud: 'I'm not supposed to be here. This is not my room.' I broke down in tears and cried for 45 minutes before we played that game."

          MLB

          Shohei Ohtani, 2024

          Game stats: 1-for-4, 2 runs, 1 RBI

          Game results: Los Angeles Dodgers win 6-2

          The Dodgers star spent six seasons with the Angels, winning two MVP awards and two Silver Sluggers. He signed with the Dodgers in 2023.

          Ohtani received a standing ovation before his first at-bat of the game. The Angels also posted a tribute video on X. His return came exactly one year since the final game he played for the Angels.

          In his own words: "The biggest part of all this is being able to play at this stadium in front of the Anaheim fans. That was the part that was special for me. ... Most importantly, it's about winning the game, and I'm glad we won."

          Mookie Betts, 2023

          Game stats: 1-for-4, 2 runs, 1 walk

          Game result: Los Angeles Dodgers win 7-4

          In his first game back to face the Boston Red Sox since being traded to the Dodgers, Betts received a standing ovation before his first at-bat.

          He offered his appreciation after the game.

          In his words: "I don't really remember what I was feeling. I know I was kind of shaking a little bit. But I'm just thankful. Thankful I got the ovation. ... Thankful we won."

          Freddie Freeman, 2022

          Game stats: 1-for-3, 2 runs, 2 walks

          Game result: Dodgers win 4-1

          There may not have been a more emotional return than when Freeman faced the Atlanta Braves for the first time on the road. He spent 12 years with the Braves, winning an MVP in 2020 and a World Series in his final season with the team.

          Freeman walked in the first and fifth innings, scoring both times. He received two standing ovations -- one before the game and his first at-bat -- plus his 2021 World Series ring. He also teared up during a pregame news conference but had positive thoughts after the game.

          In his words: "I'm exhausted, emotionally exhausted, but what a wonderful evening for my family."

          Nomar Garciaparra, 2009

          Game stats: 2-for-4, 1 RBI

          Game result: Oakland Athletics win 6-0

          An emotional return to Fenway Park came five years after the Red Sox traded Garciaparra in 2004, the same year they went on to win the World Series.

          Garciaparra, who spent 8½ seasons in Boston, was welcomed with a standing ovation before his first at-bat. He tipped his helmet and tapped his chest in response.

          In his words: "You don't know how things are going to play out. There's no script for that one. I think what you saw out there was just pure emotion, from the fans, from myself."

          NHL

          Patrick Kane, 2023

          Game stats: 2 points (1 goal and assist)

          Game result: Detroit Red Wings win 3-2

          Kane had a memorable return to the United Center in his first game in Chicago since joining the Red Wings.

          Kane won three Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks. He is second in franchise history in points (1,225) and assists (779) and third in games played (1,161) and goals (446).

          The Red Wings star scored the winning overtime goal, beating the franchise where he spent his first 16 seasons in the NHL.

          The right winger received a standing ovation during the jersey retirement of Chris Chelios as well as a video tribute in the first period.

          In his words: "Just a lot of emotions right now, scoring that goal, being back here, being on a different team. Just tried to show the fans there at the end they'll always have my heart here."

          Matthew Tkachuk, 2022

          Game stats: 0 points, 2 penalty minutes, 21:50 ice time

          Game result: Florida Panthers lose 6-2

          After playing six seasons with the Calgary Flames, Tkachuk decided that he wouldn't be signing a contract extension with them during the summer of 2022 and was traded to the Panthers.

          A fan favorite during his time with the Flames (and for the way he let the club get something in return for him via trade), Tkachuk was the subject of a tribute video and standing ovation when he made his first trip back to the Saddledome wearing a different sweater, though he did endure some boos too.

          In his words: "Just passionate fans here. It's obviously nice to see that video. A couple seconds of showing what my time was like here on and off the ice, it was nice to see."

          Marc-Andre Fleury, 2018

          Game stats: 33 saves on 38 shots

          Game result: Vegas Golden Knights lose 5-4

          The expansion draft for the Golden Knights allowed them to build the foundation for a team that made the Stanley Cup Final in its first season (and would win the Cup in 2023). One of the key components -- and the early face of the franchise -- was goaltender Fleury.

          But before he was a Golden Knight, the future Hockey Hall of Famer had already authored a legendary career in 13 seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins. His first game back in Pittsburgh generated emotions, but it was the home team who won that night.

          In his words: "I didn't know what to expect. In the warmup, I had goose bumps. It's a night I won't forget."

          Jarome Iginla, 2013

          Game stats: 0 points, 4 shots on goal, 21:36 ice time

          Game result: Boston Bruins win 2-1

          Perhaps no player is more synonymous with Calgary Flames hockey as the 20th century flipped to the 21st than Iginla. The Hockey Hall of Famer played 16 seasons for the franchise, prior to skating for the Penguins, Bruins, Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings to close out his career.

          On Dec. 10, 2013, Iggy returned as a member of the Bruins and was honored with an extensive pregame celebration.

          The visiting Bruins won, and Iginla was named the third star, resulting in another standing ovation from the Calgary faithful.

          In his own words: "It was definitely emotional. It was a cool feeling. It felt special, the ovation there at the start, and then you kind of feel funny standing out there."

          WNBA

          Breanna Stewart, 2023

          Game stats: 25 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 2 blocks

          Game result: New York Liberty win 86-78

          Stewart won two WNBA titles in six seasons with the Seattle Storm before she left the franchise for the Liberty in 2023. She had a strong return to Seattle, leading New York to the win.

          Fans shared their appreciation throughout the game. Stewart acknowledged that the "emotional roller coaster of a day" had an impact on her play.

          In her words: "I was trying to play through it, but I was telling [coach] Sandy [Brondello] in the first half, I was just floating. I don't think I was really doing anything except just like -- not sure what I was doing."

          Candace Parker, 2022

          Game stats: 10 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal

          Game result: Chicago Sky win 82-59

          After spending her entire 13-year WNBA career with the Los Angeles Sparks, Parker went home, signing with the Sky.

          She made history in her first game against the Sparks in Los Angeles, recording a WNBA record third career triple-double. She received a loud cheer during the introductions.

          In her words: "This is home. This is where my family lives. This is where I love coming back to. It's definitely bittersweet to be back because it is a part of our past."