NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns made an unforgettable performance in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals, leading his New York Knicks to a crucial win on Dominican Mother’s Day. The 20-point fourth-quarter surge from Towns helped narrow the series deficit to 2-1.
Towns’ mother, Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, passed away during the pandemic five years ago, and he has since gotten tattoos of “4/13” – the anniversary of her death and his favorite Bible verse. On Sunday, Towns played a special game, scoring 24 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in a season-saving victory.
Coach Tom Thibodeau praised Towns’ ability to stay aggressive and capitalize on opportunities, saying, “He’s a very gifted scorer who can score at three different levels.” Towns credited his teammates for putting him in great spots to succeed, adding that their trust in him was key to the win.
For Towns, this game was about more than just basketball – it was also a celebration of his mother and heritage. He wore a wristband with “4/13” during the game and said he felt special playing on Mother’s Day. The win marked a turning point in the series, and Towns’ emotional performance has left fans and pundits alike in awe.
Towns’ incredible comeback from a sluggish first half to a dominant fourth quarter showcased his skills as a player and demonstrated why he is considered one of the best talents in the league. His heartfelt play on Mother’s Day will be remembered for a long time, and it solidified his status as a leader on and off the court.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6382725/2025/05/26/karl-anthony-towns-game-3-gift-to-late-mother