KARL-ANTHONY Towns can relate to Knicks fans after he helped New York win an NBA title for the first time in 53 YEARS.
The U.S. Sun caught up with Towns for an exclusive interview days after the Knicks’ historic victory.
It’s been a long wait for Knicks fans to see a title, as the franchise had last won it all the way back in 1973.
After many years of heartbreak and sadness, plenty of Knickerbocker fans became emotional after seeing the team finally lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Just days after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals, Towns stopped by Raising Cane’s in Times Square to work a celebratory shift.
The U.S. Sun asked Towns on Tuesday about the emotional journey with the fans during their playoff run – and helping them finally get over the line.
“S***, I was emotional too. I think we all are,” Towns answered.
Towns then revealed his amazement over the “healing” that the title provided for the fans in New York.
“I think that what was so special about this was – and I didn’t realize this until after the win – was how much healing that win would do for all of New York City, for the fans, to the alumni, to even for us as the players in our personal lives,” he said.
“It was a healing experience.
“To see someone like [Knicks legend Patrick Ewing] just finally exhale after all these years, and to see Larry O’Brien in his hand.
“It was emotional to see Pat taking his portraits with the trophy, because when he was here, I knew he only wished and imagined that he would be the one to do it.”
Throughout his 11 seasons in the NBA, the former No. 1 pick has carried lofty expectations and, as a result, faced criticisms.
After losing in the Eastern Conference Finals last season, Towns and the Knicks went on a historic run, winning 16 of 19 games to end up on top.
Still, to Towns, earning a championship ring wasn’t about feeling vindicated by the public.
“I never needed people’s vindication to feel good about myself,” Towns said.
“My confidence is built in the work,” he added.
“My confidence is built in the gym in the long hours that no one can see.”
Towns averaged close to 16 points and 11 rebounds during the playoffs.
But Towns’ impact on the court can be summed up in one key stat: He is the owner of the highest plus-minus in a single NBA playoff run, finishing the postseason at +258.
Towns touched on his mindset after being fouled out in Game 5, which also saw him score just two points.
He had the utmost confidence in his teammates, which included Finals MVP, Jalen Brunson, to get the win.
“I trusted them one through 15,” Towns said. “Every single person on that team, I knew they could get the job done.
“I just stay locked in. It wasn’t my moment anymore.
“It was our moment. It was always our moment.
“It was never going to be my moment.
Source : https://www.the-sun.com/sport/16518660/karl-anthony-towns-knicks-fans-nba-title/