LaVine, Towns share special moment after Bulls-Timberwolves originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
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Tuesday, April 13 marks the one-year anniversary of Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, Karl-Anthony Towns' mother, passing away after a battle with COVID-19.
So on Sunday, April 11, the Timberwolves reserved her an honorary seat for their home matchup with the Bulls. Karl Towns Sr. was also in attendance:
In Karl-Anthony and Zach LaVine, Sunday's contest featured two former teammates whose close, still-standing friendship is well-documented. LaVine was drafted to the Timberwolves with the 13th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft; Towns was the organization's No. 1 overall pick one year later. They shared threads for two seasons before LaVine was traded to the Bulls.
After the game -- a 121-117 Timberwolves victory in which Towns (27 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists) and LaVine (30 points, 6 assists) showed out -- the two and Karl Sr. shared a moment of embrace at center court.
"First time seeing him in a long time. Wanted to go over there, give him a hug, let him know I'm always thinking of him," LaVine said. "I think we all understand the situation that they've gone through, and I don't think anybody can imagine that."
Towns revealed in December 2020 that, in addition to his mother, he lost six other family members to COVID-19.
In awe of Towns' continued perseverance, LaVine reiterated he'd always be there for him.
"Even with KAT playing this year I think it's incredible," he said. "Just let him know I love him, and I'm always gonna be there with him."