WATCH: Karl-Anthony Towns makes bold proclamation after three-point contest win

Karl-Anthony Towns shocked the competition in the 2022 MTN DEW 3-Point Contest on Saturday in Cleveland. Going up against some of the best shooters in the league, the Timberwolves big-man dusted the competition, taking home the trophy.

Afterwards, Towns made a bold proclamation about his shooting abilities.

💯 @KarlTowns approached tonight's #MtnDew3PT contest with confidence.

The result? A final-round record of 29 points and a 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Pw8SaVl3K7

— NBA (@NBA) February 20, 2022

“I told you since Day 1 — I said it on Timberwolves Twitter, I said it everywhere. Only way I’m going to lose is if someone out-shoots me. I ain’t going to beat myself out here,” stated Towns. “Said what I said before — I always said I’m up there I think with the best shooting big men of all time. I needed this trophy to prove it.”

Now, Towns has his proof. Additionally, he reminded one of the greatest big-men of all time about his abilities, sending some love to Shaquille O’Neal.

“I told you Shaq. Vegas got the odds wrong. I been told you that,” quipped Towns. “Come on, Jersey love. I told you.”

Evidently, Towns — Edison, New Jersey — expected some more love from O’Neal — Newark, New Jersey — prior to the contest. While O’Neal joined the many surprised by the Timberwolves star’s performance, Towns earned the respect of the NBA world on Saturday.

More on Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves

Moreover, Karl-Anthony Towns ascended into a star since leaving the Garden State. First, his collegiate career at Kentucky was legendary — part of one of the best college basketball teams to ever grace the hardwood. While Towns and company fell short of their ultimate goal, his play elevated him to the level of the No. 1 overall selection in the 2015 NBA Draft.

Since joining the Minnesota Timberwolves, Towns has accumulated numerous accolades. First, he took home the 2016 NBA Rookie of the Year Award. Since, he’s been a three-time NBA All-Star. Now, he can add NBA Three-Point Contest champion to his resume.

Thus far in 2021-22, Towns has played at an all-star level. On the season, the Timberwolves star is averaging 24.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. Additionally, Towns has led Minnesota to a 31-28 record — good for No. 7 in the Western Conference, and a long-elusive playoff appearance for the Timberwolves.

Throughout the rest of the season, Karl-Anthony Towns will continue to prove what makes him so great. While many overlook his talents because he plays in Minnesota, Towns proved on Saturday that his talent will always shine through.