Zach LaVine, Bulls' Statement on Karl-Anthony Towns Before Knicks-Bulls Matchup
LaVine and Towns' Friendship and History
Before the Knicks-Bulls game, Zach LaVine spoke about his friendship with Karl-Anthony Towns and his thoughts on the recent tragedy involving Towns' mother, Jacqueline Cruz-Towns.LaVine and Towns have been friends since their days in the NBA Development League and have remained close throughout their careers. LaVine expressed his condolences to Towns and his family, saying, "He's like a brother to me. I've known him for a long time, and he's always been there for me. I can't imagine what he's going through right now, but he knows I'm here for him."
Towns' mother passed away on April 13, 2020, after a battle with COVID-19. LaVine said, "It's just a tough situation. We're all here to support him and help him get through this."
Towns' Impact on and Off the Court
Leadership and Resilience
LaVine also praised Towns for his leadership and resilience in the face of adversity. He said, "He's a great leader. He's one of the best players in the league, and he's always been a great example for me and other young players."
LaVine added, "He's never let anything get him down. He's always been a fighter, and he's going to continue to fight through this. He's a role model for all of us."
Off-Court Activism
LaVine also spoke about Towns' off-court activism and his work in the community. He said, "He's also a great person off the court. He's always giving back to the community and helping others."
LaVine added, "He's a great role model for all of us, and we're all proud to have him as a friend and teammate."
Conclusion
The Knicks-Bulls game took place on April 15, 2020, and was dedicated to the memory of Jacqueline Cruz-Towns. Both teams wore black armbands and observed a moment of silence before the game.
The Bulls won the game 113-105, but the result was secondary to the outpouring of support for Towns and his family.
