Karl-Anthony Towns, the star centre for the New York Knicks, recently reflected on the profound impact of his fiancée, Jordyn Woods, in his life, particularly following the devastating loss of his mother, Jacqueline Cruz-Towns. Jacqueline passed away on April 13, 2020, after a month-long battle with COVID-19. The poignant memories of this loss were at the forefront as Towns celebrated his team’s victory, clinching the 2026 NBA Championship after a hard-fought series against the San Antonio Spurs.
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Towns, aged 28, expressed his gratitude towards Woods for her unwavering support during one of the most challenging periods of his life. He recounted how their relationship blossomed from a strong foundation of friendship to a deeper romantic connection. The couple had announced their engagement on Christmas Day in 2025, marking a new chapter in their lives together.
In the aftermath of his mother’s death, Towns described the emotional turmoil he experienced. However, it was Woods, then a close friend, who provided comfort. “She was the only person I got to call before I had to go out there and say bye to her at the hospital,” he shared after the Knicks’ 94-90 victory. Towns believes that their bond transcends mere physical attraction, describing it as a genuine friendship that has been meticulously nurtured over time.
Reflecting on the emotional support he receives from Woods, Towns shared, “In moments of true pressure and a lot of things going on, I always feel this calming come to me and it’s always her.” He emphasised the significance of having someone like Woods in his corner, stating that her presence fills him with love and assurance amid life’s uncertainties.
The player also touched on his mother’s influence during the Knicks’ championship win, suggesting that he felt her spirit with him throughout the game. “It’s truly a humbling feeling when you know you have walked the path,” he remarked, noting the emotional weight of celebrating such a milestone in his career. “In a way—without sounding weird—Jackie Jr. was able to be here celebrating this moment with me.”
Towns has often been vocal about his late mother and continues to pay tribute to her in various forms, including on social media and during interviews. Earlier in the NBA Finals series, he expressed how he sensed a comforting presence from Jacqueline while playing. He described a feeling of calm and peace that he believed was derived from her memory, stating, “I felt like a kid… it was just fun out here.”
His emotional connection to his mother proved to be a source of inspiration as he triumphed over the challenges of the finals. Towns recounted the nostalgic feelings he experienced on the court, which reminded him of his youth when he dreamt of becoming an NBA player. “All day it was a weird feeling… it felt like a certain presence that was here that was very comforting and very loving.”
The Knicks’ victory in the finals has further solidified Towns’ resilience and determination to honour his mother’s memory. He reflected on the importance of making the right decisions in his personal and professional life, stating, “I stayed faithful. In every decision that I was supposed to make, I made the right one.” This triumph is not just a testament to his skill on the court but also a celebration of the love and support that has surrounded him.
As Towns continues to grapple with his loss, the journey he has shared with Woods and the legacy of his mother serve as fundamental parts of his life story. The couple’s collective strength and love stand as a reminder of how relationships can flourish and provide solace even amid the most profound sorrow. In a life filled with both challenges and victories, Karl-Anthony Towns is undoubtedly carrying forward the legacy of his mother while building a bright future with Jordyn Woods by his side.