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Karl-Anthony Towns is expressing gratitude for the steady support of his fiancée, Jordyn Woods, as he reflects on a deeply emotional journey that has shaped both his personal life and his NBA career.
Following the New York Knicks' championship-clinching victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on June 13, the 28-year-old star took a moment during his postgame press conference to acknowledge Woods and the role she has played in his life, especially after the loss of his mother, Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, in April 2020.
Towns' mother died at the age of 58 after contracting COVID-19 and spending about a month in hospital. The Knicks forward has often spoken about her influence and continued presence in his life.
"Her presence is always felt in my life," Towns said when reflecting on his mother's memory.
He went on to praise Woods, whom he became engaged to on Christmas Day last year, describing her as a grounding force through some of the most difficult moments he has faced.
Towns explained that during the period of his mother's illness and passing, Woods, who was a friend at the time, was one of the few people he felt he could rely on emotionally. He recalled calling her before going to the hospital to say goodbye to his mother.
He said their relationship grew from a strong friendship into something deeper built on trust and understanding rather than surface level attraction.
Towns added that Woods continues to be a calming presence during high pressure moments in his career, saying he often feels her support when he steps onto the court.
He described her love as something he had never experienced before and said it has had a major impact on his life both on and off the court.
The NBA star also reflected on the championship moment, saying it felt meaningful to share it with Woods while also honoring the memory of his late mother. He suggested that in his own way, he felt both women were present during the celebration.
Towns has frequently paid tribute to his mother throughout his career and has spoken openly about sensing her presence during key games in the Finals.
Earlier in the series, he described feeling a sense of calm during Game 1, saying the emotion he experienced reminded him of his mother and gave him comfort during the biggest stage of his career.
For Towns, the championship was not only a professional milestone but also a deeply personal moment shaped by love, loss and the support system that has carried him through it all.