Knicks champion Towns opens up about grief on mental health day

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 23:19 · Archive

NBA player Karl-Anthony Towns, who won the championship with the New York Knicks, marked World Mental Health Day by discussing his ongoing grief over his mother's death from COVID-19 six years ago.

Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks marked World Mental Health Day by discussing his grief over his mother's death from COVID-19 complications six years ago. Speaking at the Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Festival on Saturday, the All-Star said he continues to feel he is in the period of grief that began with her death, despite achieving major professional success including winning the NBA title for his childhood team.

Towns described how he felt 'this very big calm' wash over him entering the first game of this year's NBA Finals. He reflected on amateur youth games with crowds so small he could spot his mother from anywhere: 'I felt like it was kinda just me, her and the game of basketball. I was able to be like an artist out there. I was able to have my paint brush and have a canvas with the court.'

Following his mother's death, basketball 'felt hollow' to him. 'I didn't know if I wanted to do it anymore,' he said. Towns found support from strength and wellness coach Arnie Kander during this difficult period. His openness about mental health came just ten days before the Knicks' championship banner-raising celebration.

How it is being reported

• Knicks champion Karl-Anthony Towns opens up about grief for World Mental Health DayKnicks champion Karl-Anthony Towns is still grieving the loss of his mother six years ago to COVID-19.News4Jax · 10 Oct, 22:45
• Knicks champion Karl-Anthony Towns opens up about grief for World Mental Health DayKnicks champion Karl-Anthony Towns is still grieving the loss of his mother six years ago to COVID-19.Clickorlando · 10 Oct, 22:45

In this story: Karl-Anthony Towns · New York Knicks · Arnie Kander · Project Healthy Minds

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