On the day when the New York Knicks needed someone to step up, Karl-Anthony Towns answered the calls of the Knicks faithful. He scored 20 points in the fourth quarter, including eight rebounds, and gave the Knicks a priceless victory over the Indiana Pacers. Most importantly, it transpired when the Dominican Republic celebrated Mother’s Day.
Most people know Towns’ mother, Jacqueline Cruze, hails from the Dominican Republic, but she tragically lost her life during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. He had lost seven more close relatives, and it turned out to be miserable times for Towns, who had to overcome the mental trauma.
But after those troubled years, he dedicated this triumph to the Dominican mothers on their special day.
Karl-Anthony Towns Puts in a Solid Show for His Mother on Dominican Mother’s Day
After the game, he gave a post-game court interview with NBA reporter Allie LaForce, in which he mentioned, “Hey, shoutout to the Dominicans, man. It’s the Dominican Mother’s Day, man. Shoutout to my mom.”
The Dominican Republic celebrates its Mother’s Day on May 25, and Towns gave a spectacular performance for all the mothers out there.
Like most individuals, COVID-19 became a turbulent time for Towns and his family. He had mentioned earlier how his mother suffered a blood clot, and its complications arise when someone has COVID-19. After a long and brave battle, his mother passed away on April 13, but left a son whom she would be proud of.
“Shoutout to my mom.” ❤️
KAT with a special message on Dominican Mother’s Day 🫶 pic.twitter.com/s2fnU8ePWR
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 26, 2025
He also mentioned on SportsCenter, “I got a lot of my mom’s side. Everyone was hitting me up, telling me they’re gonna be watching the game with my aunts. You know, it’s just, it just meant a lot that I was able to play on a day like today. Obviously, I didn’t know my mom was expecting a game like tonight, but I’m just happy that this team is able to get a win on her day. Shoutout to all those Dominicanos out there.”
KAT on playing on Dominican Republic Mother’s Day:
“It just meant a lot that I was able to play on a day like today. Obviously, I didn’t know my mom was expecting a game like tonight but I’m just happy that this team is able to get a win on her day” pic.twitter.com/fyqsxmQ0I5
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) May 26, 2025
After losing most of his family members, Towns became stronger mentally, and nothing fazed him since.
Big Game KAT Comes Up With the Goods
With the first two games siding with Tyrese Haliburton and Co., Game 3 became a must-win for the New York franchise to avoid a blowout. And they certainly brought everyone to the party on Pacers and Racers Day.
Funnily enough, KAT had just four points in the first half after playing 13:24 minutes. He grabbed six rebounds and didn’t have a three-pointer in the first half. Yet, the propellers started to charge after the second half, and Towns scored 20 second-half points, with nine rebounds added to the mix.
The Clutch Player of the Year, Jalen Brunson, came alive in the fourth quarter with 12 points, getting the necessary stops, hustling for the ball, and rebounding at will. Game 4 becomes a must-watch contest as Towns and his teammates hope to level the series.
