TORONTO — Karl-Anthony Towns returned from a one-game absence with 24 points and 15 rebounds, Jalen Brunson had 20 points and 11 assists and the New York Knicks held on to beat the Toronto Raptors 113-108 on Monday night for their fifth win in six games.

Towns broke a tie by scoring a layup with 36 seconds left in the game, then sealed the win by making a 3-pointer on New York’s next possession.

Mikal Bridges scored 23 points as the Knicks won their fifth straight meeting with the Raptors. OG Anunoby added 14 points against his former team and Josh Hart had 10.

RJ Barrett scored 30 points for Toronto, and Jakob Poeltl had 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Toronto forward Scottie Barnes left the game midway through the third quarter Monday night because of a sprained right ankle.

Barnes was helped off the court by teammates before hopping to the locker room, unable to put weight on his right foot.

Barnes was injured when he landed on Towns while battling for a defensive rebound. Barnes scored 15 points in 23 minutes before exiting.

Barnes missed 11 games earlier this season because of a right orbital fracture and has worn protective glasses since returning Nov. 21. Toronto went 2-9 without him.

The 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year and a first-time All-Star last season, Barnes signed a contract extension this summer that could reach around $270 million if he meets supermax criteria.

Barnes came into Monday’s game averaging career highs of 21 points, 8.7 rebounds and 7.8 assists.

Wolves’ Edwards fined $25,000

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has been fined $25,000 for using profane language during a media interview, the NBA announced Monday.

Edwards’ comments came after the Timberwolves’ 107-90 win at Golden State on Dec. 6.

Edwards, a two-time All-Star, is averaging 26.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game this season. Minnesota is off to a 12-11 start after reaching the Western Conference Finals last season.