Karl-Anthony Towns revealed an emotional moment from the NBA Finals. The Knicks center said he felt his late mother Jacqueline Cruz's presence during Game 1 against the Spurs.
Speaking to Shaquille O'Neal after the Knicks' victory on June 3, KAT discussed the spiritual moment. "I just felt a calm and a peace that I don't know had to come from the woman above," the 30-year-old said. He described the sensation as similar to his childhood AAU games, when his mother—who died in 2020 from COVID-19—would be there supporting him.
"In a way, I felt like I was seeing her in the stands," KAT continued. "It was really comforting, because you know, Game 1 of the NBA finals, you're told how the pressure is going to be... but I felt like I could have fun."
Fiancée Jordyn Woods was present courtside. The 28-year-old model has been with KAT throughout the season, and posted an emotional tribute when the Knicks advanced to the Finals.
"I've watched you make it to the Conference Finals three years in a row," Jordyn wrote in a May 27 tribute. "Through every high and low, you've kept your head down, stayed optimistic... Couldn't be more honored to be on this journey with such an incredible human being."
The couple got engaged in December after nearly five years of dating.
