ORLANDO — Before Sunday's 128-96 win over Orlando, Karl-Anthony Towns went over to his father Karl Sr. and cameras caught him letting out a few emotions before taking the floor on Mother's Day.
Then Towns dried his tears, turned around and scored 27 points and had nine rebounds against Orlando. As it has all season, the NBA schedule hasn't allowed Towns much time to grieve if he feels a swell of emotion for his late mother Jacqueline, who died of complications from COVID last year. Even amid tears, duty still calls.
After the game, Towns spoke both with optimism for the Wolves' future. He also sounded weary, like he could use a break once the Wolves' season is officially over Sunday.
"For me, personally, I'm just excited, in a selfish way, to hear the last horn go off and finally take time to really try to heal the right way," Towns said. "I've put basketball front and center for my life so I wouldn't have to deal with all the demons on the back end, but it's going to be good to really get some help, you know?
"I'm excited for that personally, and also, when that last horn goes off, to truly take a step back and be proud of where I'm at. I came a long way in this year."
A year that included a left wrist injury in his second game, an injury that still hasn't completely healed, he said, along with his own COVID battle in January.
"I'm a man who likes to give they roses while people are here — I like to give they roses fresh, so I told my team right after the game, I appreciate them for everyone they've done for me, because I truly believe they gave me a new life when I didn't know if I would have one."
Towns also said the strength his mother brought out in him helped him make it through his first season without her sitting in the stands.
