Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns Emotional About Father's Presence at MSG

The Knicks star got real about what having his dad in attendance meant to him.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:37pm

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An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes capturing the raw energy and emotion of a basketball player driving to the hoop, their face and jersey details dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of paint.An emotional moment between a father and son as the Knicks' star player performs under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.NYC Today

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns opened up about the emotional significance of having his father in attendance at Madison Square Garden for the team's playoff game against the Atlanta Hawks. Towns said he felt a sense of pride and wanted to make his dad proud with his performance on the court.

Why it matters

Towns' father has been a visible supporter throughout his NBA career, and the Knicks' star player's heartfelt comments highlight the special bond between father and son that is often on display in sports. This moment resonates with many fans who can relate to the desire to perform well in front of a loved one.

The details

In the Knicks' Game 1 win over the Hawks, Towns had 25 points on 13 shot attempts after a slow start. After the game, he spoke about how good it felt to see his father 'walking around and enjoying Knicks basketball' at Madison Square Garden. Towns said any son wants to make his father proud when he gets to see him at a competition.

  • The Knicks defeated the Hawks 115-105 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Karl-Anthony Towns

The starting center for the New York Knicks, who was traded to the team from the Minnesota Timberwolves prior to the 2024-25 NBA season.

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What they’re saying

“It's just good to see him walking around and enjoying Knicks basketball.”

— Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks Center

“I feel like any son out there who plays basketball or plays any sport, when you get to see your father there at your competition, you always have a sense of pride and you want to make him proud.”

— Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks Center

What’s next

The Knicks will look to take a 2-0 series lead when they host the Hawks again in Game 2 on Monday, April 21, 2026 at 8:00 pm ET.

The takeaway

Karl-Anthony Towns' emotional comments about his father's presence at Madison Square Garden highlight the special bond between fathers and sons that is often on display in sports. This moment will resonate with many fans who can relate to the desire to perform well in front of a loved one.