Karl-Anthony Towns is now firmly etched into New York Knicks folklore after playing a key role in the team’s first NBA title in over half a century.
The Knicks ended their 53-year championship drought with a 4-1 Finals win over the San Antonio Spurs, with Towns providing crucial support alongside Jalen Brunson.
He averaged 13 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists in the series, and CBS Mornings acknowledged his value by surprising him with a message from one of his idols.
Magic Johnson sends Karl-Anthony Towns emotional Knicks tribute
The five-time NBA champion said on the video: “I want to congratulate Karl-Anthony Towns and his teammates, the New York Knicks, on winning the NBA World Championship. I’m all the way in Portofino, Italy, enjoying my vacation with my family, but I had to say, Karl, you dominated the whole playoff, brother.
“Your outside shooting ability from the three-point line. You’re putting it on the floor and dime, dishing left and right, as well as blocking shots in your defense. You were awesome, man.”
Johnson then made the message even more personal, adding: “Your mother is in heaven smiling down on you. And I saw that hug between you and your father. That was awesome, man.
“May God continue to bless you. You’re going to be beloved forever, brother, in the city of New York. Congratulations, champion.”
Towns was visibly moved, then explained why the message meant so much.
He said he wears No. 32 because of his father and Johnson, and that he always wanted to play like the Lakers legend.
For Towns, the Finals gave him that chance, allowing him to score while involving his teammates in the kind of all-round role he had always admired.
