LOS ANGELES – Karl Anthonytowns thanked the Knicks for their support after dealing with the death of family friend Sarah Holtzmann after missing Tuesday's game.
“This was one of the moments I had to be there for my family and for the kids who lost someone who really special to them,” Towns said after he rejoined the LA Knicks, which is scheduled to return to the Lakers on Thursday.
According to an online obituaryHoltzmann died after his battle with breast cancer.
She was close to Jordyn Woods, the town's longtime girlfriend who posted on social media “F-K Cancer.”
The town has dealt with a layer of tragedy over the past few years after his mother, Jacqueline Cruz and other families died from Covid-19 complications.
“I want to say that all the losses I had taught me how to appreciate my work and find joy,” Towns said. “There aren't many people who can do this job and play basketball to make a living.
“And I know that the problems that arise in my life and things are that if people are in my shoes, they are very happy with the problems I have. Just keeping focused I have become a better man. And with my mother, I was using that experience when I used it.
The town was officially exempted on Tuesday for “personal reasons.”
Without him, the Knicks would have fallen for the Warriors on MSG 114-102.
“I really don't want to talk about it (situation), but I'm grateful for the organization. My teammates give me so much blessing and give me support when I really needed it,” he said. “So I'm really grateful to be able to experience what I've been through.”
