Karl-Anthony Towns' recently missed a contest as the New York Knicks suffered a 114-102 loss to the Golden State Warriors.
The opposition has been superb as of late as is, and missing Towns left the Knicks with an offensive void that they couldn't overcome in the fourth quarter.
Late in the matchup, the Warriors ran away with the game as New York ran into a massive offensive slump, something Towns could have helped the squad avoid.
Before the contest, after being ruled out for personal reasons, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau made a statement regarding Towns and his availability.
"When he's ready to come back, obviously we want him back. But he needs some time right now," Thibodeau explained.
Tom Thibodeau was asked if Karl-Anthony Towns, who is out due to personal reasons tonight, will travel w/Knicks to LA on road trip. He said he can't answer because he doesn't know. "When he's ready to come back, obviously we want him back. But he needs some time right now."
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) March 4, 2025
Since then, Towns has been pulled off the injury report and is with the team as they are set to take on the Los Angeles Lakers in the first of four-straight road contests for an upcoming trip.
However, some grueling news was revealed by Towns' girlfriend, Jordyn Woods.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden. Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Towns' girlfriend makes devastating announcement after recent absence
The reason for Towns' recent absence was unknown, though a recent announcement from Woods shed some light on the situation and the reason behind the star center missing a game.
"Thank you for all of your prayers and concern. I had to bury one of the closest people to me yesterday after she lost her battle to breast cancer. Life isn't always fair. She will be missed tremendously," Woods shared on her Instagram.
Jordyn Woods reveals friend died of cancer as boyfriend Karl-Anthony Towns rejoins Knicks https://t.co/CFczfArUtqpic.twitter.com/AKquTn68Xr
— New York Post (@nypost) March 6, 2025
Towns and Woods have had to deal with some unfortunate circumstances, though the 7-footer rejoined the club on their upcoming trip out west.
Averaging 24.5 points, 13.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists, Towns has been superb for the Knicks this season, though his reason for a recent absence is more than understood.
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This story was originally published March 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM.