Karl-Anthony Towns Could Feel Late Mom’s Presence During Knicks Final

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Karl-Anthony Towns had a special person with him on the court. 

Knicks player Karl-Anthony Towns, known as KAT, felt his late mother, Jacqueline Cruz, was with him in spirit during Game 1 of the NBA finals, where the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs.

After the game on June 3rd, Karl shared with Shaquille O’Neal that he felt an unusual sense of calm and peace, which he attributed to a higher power. He said this feeling gave him a lot of confidence going into the day. He felt rejuvenated, like a kid again, and was simply enjoying himself. He explained that being in the NBA Finals was a childhood dream, and all day he had this strange, positive feeling.

The 30-year-old said the experience reminded him of preparing for his childhood AAU games, when his mother, Jacqueline, who sadly passed away in 2020 after contracting COVID-19 early in the pandemic, was always there cheering him on.

I felt like I could see her in the crowd, and it was just a really enjoyable experience,” KAT shared. “It was truly comforting, especially with all the pressure of Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Everyone talks about how intense it will be, and it just felt like a loving and reassuring presence was there.

Although he anticipated immense pressure during the NBA Finals, the player surprisingly found he was able to enjoy himself.

Honestly, seeing Karl with Jordyn at the game just melted my heart! She was right there, courtside at the Frost Bank Center, and you could just feel how much she supports him. It’s so sweet – he proposed to her back in December after they’d been together for almost five years! She clearly keeps him grounded, and I was so happy to see her there helping him stay calm during that away game. They’re just the cutest!

After all, the 28-year-old has been KAT’s biggest supporter throughout the 2025-2026 NBA season. 

After the Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Championship—and ultimately won in just four games—Jordyn wrote a heartfelt message to her soon-to-be husband.

Seriously, I’ve been following him for years – three straight Conference Finals appearances, can you believe it?! He just keeps his head down and works, even when things are tough. He’s always been so positive and the best teammate, the best son, the best brother… and now my fiancé! It feels like everything’s just getting better and better. We’ve already got an NBA Cup and an Eastern Conference title… now we just need four more wins, and a championship! I just know we’re going to achieve everything, things are only looking up from here!

Jordyn shared, “I’m so incredibly honored to be going through this with such a wonderful person. I love you! Let’s do this, New York!”

For more celebrities always sitting courtside at the Knicks every chance they get, read on. 

Timothée Chalamet is a devoted fan of the New York Knicks. He explained to 7PM in Brooklyn that his grandmother’s passion for the team sparked his own interest. “If you’re from New York,” he said, “you’re a Knicks fan.”

As you may have heard, Kylie Jenner has been attending New York Knicks games with Timothée Chalamet, her partner since 2023, to support the team.

Ben Stiller is a die-hard Knicks fan. He even said he’d choose a Knicks championship over winning an Oscar! Speaking on the New Heights podcast in 2025, Stiller explained that, given the impossible choice, he’d take the Knicks winning because at least he had a choice to make.

Filmmaker Spike Lee, a dedicated New York Knicks fan, is confident the team will win a championship in the 2025-2026 season. In May 2026, he told the New York Post, “I’m not worried about teams like San Antonio or Oklahoma City. We’re going to win!”

Tracy Morgan remains a devoted Knicks fan, declaring himself one of their biggest supporters – second only to Spike Lee, as he shared on The Rich Eisen Show in 2021.

What’s Luv? The way Fat Joe feels about the Knicks.

In fact, hours before the Knicks confirmed their appearance in the finals, the rapper reflected on the decades the team struggled, noting to ESPN, “It’s time. We paid our dues.”

Broadcasting live from New York, it’s Pete Davidson! The former cast member of Saturday Night Live is a frequent face in the audience at basketball games.

Chris Rock is a dedicated Knicks fan and has been a regular attendee at their games for years.

Larry David isn’t going to curb his enthusiasm for the Knicks.

His fellow actor, JB Smoove, feels the same way. In a 2024 Instagram post, Smoove wrote, “How it started vs How it ended,” adding, “It’ll always be Knicks for life.”

Jordyn Woods is a big fan of the New York Knicks, and her connection to the team goes beyond just being a spectator. She’s currently engaged to Karl-Anthony Towns, who plays center for the Knicks.

Though Cardi B is known for her hit song “Bodak Yellow,” she’s a big fan of the colors orange and blue. She and former New England Patriots player Stefon Diggs recently made their relationship public at a 2025 basketball game between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics.

Anne Hathaway is sporting Chanel boots in New York Knicks colors! The actress, known for her role in The Devil Wears Prada, subtly showed her support for the team by wearing an orange and blue pocket square on The Tonight Show in April 2026.

You know, when I talk about being a fan, I like to think I strike a good balance. I’m definitely a loving and easygoing person – I really am! But I also get really into things. I was even considering rocking a vintage jersey today, just to show my dedication! It’s all about embracing that passion, you know?

By the way, Jimmy Fallon is a huge Knicks fan, and he even took his oldest daughter, Franny, to some games during the 2026 NBA playoffs.

You don’t need a time machine to know Michael J. Fox is a big New York Knicks fan. The actor and his wife, Tracy Pollan, are frequent attendees at Knicks games.

Despite the Knicks’ inconsistent performance, Jon Stewart has remained a dedicated fan, famously describing himself as someone who supports the team through thick and thin.

Okay, seriously, a Knicks win just makes my day, and apparently it does for Maggie Rogers too! I’ve been following her for a while, and it’s SO cool to see how much she loves the team – she’s always posting about them. It’s amazing to find out your favorite artist is also a huge Knicks fan! It just feels… right, you know?

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2026-06-05 18:48