r/nba • • Jun 04 '26

Highlight [Highlight] Karl-Anthony Towns: "I just felt a calm and a peace that had to come from the woman above ... I felt like I was a kid getting ready to go play my Saturday AAU games and Sunday AAU games. In a way, I felt like I was seeing [my mom] in the stands."

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24.8k Upvotes

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6.3k

u/slysonic7 Jun 04 '26

Lost my mom last year and it’s really great how he finds moments to frame him missing her positively vs how most people could find it only to be a loss and how things are negative as a result. Does a lot of good for others to hear that positive attitude towards it

1.2k

u/No-Signature8815 Jun 04 '26

I hope you find peace, and that you're not too overwhelmed to revisit all the good times you shared with her 🫂

23

u/colossalattempt Jun 04 '26

Word. Peace to you and yours. Both my parents just passed over the last few months. Pops, March 2, Mom May 1st. I loved watching and playing basketball with my dad, watching Knicks games and being competitive in NYC pick up games together. My mom was amazing, an entrepreneur, hustler, writer, people person, always loving, nurturing, met Saudi royalty, dealt with Swiss bankers, spoke the truth even when it hurt. It’s tough, but I’m so grateful for them creating me and helping me become who I am now. They got to meet my children, see me build my home, serve my country, become the person I am. Truly a unique moment to be a Knicks fan for me.

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u/BumbleLapse Jazz Jun 04 '26

KAT is genuinely an awesome dude, and I think you’re right — it’s important for people to talk about grief, loss, and growth.

Death is some solitary shit for the living. Our instinct is to withdraw or become jaded, to attribute additional badness to our loss.

But it’s really all perspective. KAT framing his continued grief as extra reason to do more, to find peace in his work? That’s probably hard for him to do, but it’s the best thing to do for yourself, and it’s even better that he spreads that message publicly

41

u/fundraiser Knicks Jun 04 '26

as much as our celebrity worship culture can be used for ill, i always appreciate moments like this as a way for some pro social coping skills can be modeled to folks who look up to these people and don't have others who can model that for them.

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154

u/Frishdawgzz Knicks Jun 04 '26
  1. Cancer. Miss her everyday.

3 more brother

62

u/cforb92 Celtics Jun 04 '26

Fuck cancer. Lost my mom 2 weeks ago. Glad she is at peace and grateful for the time that I did have with her, but yeah missing her a lot.

27

u/Saucy_Totchie Knicks Jun 04 '26 edited Jun 04 '26

I hope you and your family can take care, buddy.

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11

u/LesaneCrooks Clippers Jun 04 '26
  1. Cancer. Still cry everyday. I miss my best friend that just so happened to be my mother.

8

u/daaave33 Knicks Jun 04 '26

Yep, me too. 9 years, still feel it every day.

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '26 edited Jun 04 '26

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51

u/ToNobodysSurprise Raptors Jun 04 '26

My mother in law passed when baby was few months old and was the only grandkid she saw. We tell all her grandchildren lots of stories of her and have pictures of their grandma around our home. Hoping it creates some sort of impact.

11

u/nickx37 Knicks Jun 04 '26

It does whether you know it or not. Things she said and did you do too and you might not even realize it. My grandma used to end every phone call saying "hit the books, kid!" I find myself saying it to my kids too unintentionally. They are there always!

106

u/UnkleAdams247 Cavaliers Jun 04 '26

i am so sorry for your loss. i dread the day i go through this so much.

40

u/xxhamzxx Raptors Jun 04 '26

It's not the day that happens that's the worst, it's every moment after which she's not there, fuckin sucks.

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u/meenzu Jun 04 '26

I think with a kid every interaction they get impacts them, like it’s something continuous. 

 it’s obvious something deeply negative at a young age can really fuck them up for life but the other way with love can make them into confident,kind,smart, empathetic people.

 I like to think your mom’s just joy and happiness and just love at seeing your kid is going to maybe not be consciously be remembered but will be part of a larger protective subconscious “shield” that hopefully comes as a feeling of contentment or just as them not feeling less than. Like she’s already a part of them with the love she transferred while interacting with them

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u/rap4food Jun 04 '26

My mother passed before my son was born, she as an amazing person and was the person everyone went to when they needed parting help. Its sad she's not here, but her lessons teachings live on, in not just me but the countless kids she's taught, people she loved, and threw me. Its hard but they would want us to carry on be happy and thrive.

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u/levis_modeloclubVIP Jun 04 '26

Also part of this club, lost her in October. I haven't felt yet what KAT describes - it's just been constant loss and missing her - but it's really helpful seeing someone articulate what it can look like a little bit further down the road. And not some BS from someone who doesn't get it.

Gonna be such a fun battle between KAT and Wemby this series...

10

u/juandraper Cavaliers Jun 04 '26

Same timing for me. I’ve had ups and downs, Mother’s Day was a tough week. Hang in there friend.

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41

u/TT_Doom Knicks Jun 04 '26

Hugs man.

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5.8k

u/Dez64 Rockets Jun 04 '26

Great vulnerability from KAT after having quite literally his best playoffs performance.

590

u/Adept_Meat_69420 Lakers Jun 04 '26

Real talk I forget how much shit KAT has been through and all of the criticism he receives on top of all that. Go and have yourself a series big man

243

u/YouWereBrained Thunder Jun 04 '26

This is why I want this for KAT so bad. This is his moment to throw it all back at the haters.

56

u/LostAd7938 Jun 04 '26

and for Brunson to show why he's a dawg, and honestly the entire rest of the Knicks squad that people have been sleeping on

48

u/Boomslang2-1 Knicks Jun 04 '26

Josh Hart last night was literally role player Jesus. There were countless plays where just flew out of the clouds and grabbed an offensive rebound or made a steal. Unbelievable play from him.

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1.4k

u/[deleted] Jun 04 '26

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730

u/Vast-Treat-9677 Jun 04 '26

Reverse Chet

529

u/DUNDER_KILL Lakers Jun 04 '26

After playing vs Chet for 7 games he probably forgot what it's like to play against non-tissue paper

179

u/adonisgawd Lakers Jun 04 '26

That non-tissue paper dominated us.

I hope we sign an actual center this summer

145

u/Mintastic NBA Jun 04 '26

Chet might as well be Brawny Extra Strength compared to the single-ply Ayton.

72

u/maethlin Warriors Jun 04 '26

Ayton not even regular single ply it's that junk you find in public bathrooms that is thinner/weaker than onionskin that basically falls apart immediately lol

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u/MrFishAndLoaves Pelicans Jun 04 '26

Wilt, KAT, Wemby, Chet, Bam, Kobe

16

u/MaliciousJoker7 Jun 04 '26

What is this list?

56

u/NormalAccounts San Francisco Warriors Jun 04 '26

picture this: your mother, sitting on a couch, legs crossed with perfect, vertical posture while these tall gentlemen are standing behind her, everyone smiling...

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131

u/DaveidT Knicks Jun 04 '26

Out vulnerabled him

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u/FBI_KipHackman Knicks Jun 04 '26

Not even a joke. Wemby is thoughtful but he's definitely hella prideful as well. He's gonna be in his feelings all series.

10

u/BlueString94 Kings Jun 04 '26

Have you ever met a man his age who isn’t?

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u/andjuan Bulls Jun 04 '26

A surprise rivalry is born

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u/microcosmologist Bucks Jun 04 '26

he spoke with such a piercing sincerity, and made a little lump grow in my throat

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u/HumongousBelly Jun 04 '26

Amazing dude! Fuck the media for calling him soft. This is a grown man with grown ass feelings and he deserves to share these feelings with the world. Especially after a night like this and the tragedy that struck a couple years ago

62

u/Gristle__McThornbody Lakers Jun 04 '26

Yeah let's not act like people in this sub haven't been highly critical of him either.

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u/MG_MN Timberwolves Jun 04 '26

To do it in front of guys that hate him too (the Inside crew) is the cherry on top

343

u/dawnoog Lakers Jun 04 '26

Chuck was rooting for him all pre-game, he gave KAT all the flowers

210

u/FitzwilliamTDarcy Jun 04 '26

And he was gushing in the post-game too

138

u/old_man_jenkens Jun 04 '26

and at halftime. Both Shaq and Chuck took Knicks partially because of his play

72

u/ArtemisRifle Jun 04 '26

for good reason. Kat neutralizes all of the advantages Wemby gives a team

92

u/MG_MN Timberwolves Jun 04 '26

That is a first then, they ripped him his entire career in MN. Shaq would always call him soft and complain when he shot threes, he also made fun of him for missing a game for a funeral. It got deeply personal. I suppose you take the Minnesota out of him, and things change. Now Gobert gets the full brunt of it

93

u/After-Snow5874 Knicks Jun 04 '26

Let’s not act like criticism of KAT hasn’t been warranted. Ive always like him, even more so now as a Knicks fan. But KAT has had a ton of super frustrating games too.

28

u/PokerChipMessage Jun 04 '26

Let’s not act like criticism of KAT hasn’t been warranted.

Just on Reddit, I would say 2/3 of the shit was just vaguely hating on him for being 'soft', whatever that is supposed to mean.

That said, he has definitely deserved criticism for low-IQ plays, and fouling and other defensive blunders and the like.

But actual informed criticism was rare, with a disproportionate amount of just hating than a lot of guys at his level (for a guy that didn't have off-the-court stuff to deserve it).

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u/Clear_Caterpillar_99 Jun 04 '26

They backed down a ton in the post-game

7

u/SlowCrates Jun 04 '26

People forget how good he was against joker a couple years ago. KAT turned a massive professional corner like 3 years ago and since then he's made it to at least the conference finals every year. I used to be harsh on him for how easily other players could push him out of his spot, and for how much he flailed around and complained to the refs. I'm not saying it stopped dead in its tracks, but he's earned top praise from me and many others. Dude is a pro maximizing his time now.

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4.1k

u/Majestic_Call3582 Knicks Jun 04 '26

They can’t make me hate this man

1.2k

u/palpablebubble Timberwolves Jun 04 '26

Never 🥲

499

u/OnceUponAStarryNight Timberwolves Jun 04 '26

Here’s an awoooo for you, KAT. 💚💙

155

u/LonelySomewhere1414 Jun 04 '26

I'm not a Timberwolves fan, But...

...AWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

48

u/Huge_Return_1904 Knicks Jun 04 '26

Solidarity awooooo for our boy Donte... heal up!

77

u/gravyshots Timberwolves Jun 04 '26

We’ll love this guy forever

19

u/Redssx Timberwolves Jun 04 '26

So happy and proud of our big man 💚💙🧡

558

u/itssensei Cavaliers Jun 04 '26

KAT has gotten so much bs hate over the years ever since those Jimmy Butler stories.

460

u/Chadillac35 Jun 04 '26

Honestly I will never forgive Jimmy for ruining Kats reputation for years. He started all of the “soft” KAT stuff and it feels like he has spent the last 6 years trying to repair his image.

KAT was never soft

207

u/chazriverstone Knicks Jun 04 '26

Thank you for bringing this up.

Butler does not get enough shit for that whole nonsense. First Wiggins, if now KAT crosses the finish line this year (3 more to go; God bless), it's going to be pure poetry

148

u/GX112 Jun 04 '26

If KAT gets a ring, Wiggins and KAT both got rings as key contributors before Butler.

100

u/Scarred_Shadow Timberwolves Jun 04 '26

Jimmy's never getting a ring so it doesn't matter :)

48

u/7thpixel Warriors Jun 04 '26

He comes back what, after the all star break next season and makes Cheezit commercials while raking in so much salary it’s impossible to get Steph the help he needs before he retires.

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u/Big_pappa_p Magic Jun 04 '26

Butler is locker room cancer.

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u/WickedTwista Timberwolves Jun 04 '26

Dude has left on bad terms with every team he has played for.

Jimmy is the common denominator

Being a huge asshole like MJ only works if you are winning rings

16

u/mydrumluck Knicks Jun 04 '26

Jimmy Butler made me agree with Pat fucking Riley and I will never forgive him for that.

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u/Ok-Responsibility942 Timberwolves Jun 04 '26

KAT averaged 21/12 on 59/42(!)/86 shooting splits at age 22 and Butler tried blaming him for their problems lol 

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '26 edited Jun 04 '26

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93

u/KamTheMaam Nuggets Jun 04 '26

And Jimmy soft as fuck too. Always quitting on teams and shit. Much respect to KAT. Love his game.

18

u/Big_pappa_p Magic Jun 04 '26

Butler always hurt and injured. He plays 50 game seasons.

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u/mydrumluck Knicks Jun 04 '26

Jimmy Butler really is just a fucking asshole. He just doesn't catch heat for it because of his antics and clutch gene. KAT is an easy target. The meme with him and Boogie (which I'm pretty sure resulted in a KAT bucket) is a great example.

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u/TomatoCapt Jun 04 '26

I never understood why he gets so much hate. Especially the gay/sassy/voice jokes. He seems like a good dude 

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u/SEND-MARS-ROVER-PICS Jun 04 '26

A decent number of men are so insecure in their masculinity that they need to police others' masculinity, because just seeing someone do different is percieved as a threat.

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u/VachQ Jun 04 '26

KAT out-spiritualizing Wemby

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u/reddevils25 Knicks Jun 04 '26

Ascended KAT

48

u/jonasmrcds Spurs Jun 04 '26

In the interview before the game, Wemby was asked who he was doing all of this for and he said "myself". Hearing KAT mention his late mom in this way after winning is really beautiful and selfless.

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u/Chuckdatass [LAL] Kobe Bryant Jun 04 '26

I’ve been pretty neutral about this series, but this interview has me pulling hard for Kat and the Knicks now

61

u/Informal_Support1934 Jun 04 '26

His mom not being here is the bad part of these Finals.

20

u/dirkuscircus Mavericks Jun 04 '26

I momentarily disliked KAT that one time he claimed that he's the greatest big man shooter of all time -- yes, check my flair -- but otherwise, KAT has always been good in my book. I also deeply empathize with him, as my mom also passed away due to COVID complications during the pandemic.

It feels right, not only rooting for our former Mav Jalen Brunson, but also with a lot of likeable guys, like KAT, Hart, OG, Mikal etc. (shoutout to our former national team player, Jordan Clarkson) in this Knicks team. I mean, it's a no-brainer to root for the Knicks in this matchup, as a Mavs fan who happened to hail from the Philippines.

Hope y'all win.

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u/Frigidevil Nets Jun 04 '26

I think he's up there for most likable player in the league.

9

u/FoxMuldertheGrey Lakers Jun 04 '26

growing up means jimmy butler was the true villain

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u/eastrunsthroughcavs Cavaliers Jun 04 '26

KAT a good dude

709

u/GGezpzMuppy Spurs Jun 04 '26

Sucks he couldn’t do it with Ant but New York brought something out in him. He scaring the shit out of me for this series.

331

u/iseethecords Jun 04 '26

He elevated his game this year and really matured. Certainly activated something else this year defensively and mentally. He’s hungry for a ring

14

u/Good_Comment Mavericks Jun 04 '26

He was terrible at driving in the paint last year, completely out of control. This whole playoffs he's been moving with purpose and finishing strong, including the early and 1 over Wemby. Pretty insane elevation to his game in one year

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u/adopeninja Jun 04 '26

prob because hes from newark which is a city heavily influenced by NYC culture so he has that slight chip on his shoulder to pay homage to the mecca

45

u/RangedTopConnoisseur Pacers Jun 04 '26

After last year, the fact that Brunson is from New Brunswick and I got to see KAT play at St Joes in Metuchen is the only thing keeping me from figuratively ending it all as a Jersey native Pacers fan if I have to watch the Knicks take it home before us

8

u/passtherock- Hawks Jun 04 '26

nobody likes NJ but I love NJ. Metuchen is a really cute town😊

133

u/Designer-Mobile-974 Knicks Jun 04 '26

He grew up a Knicks fan

9

u/TILIAMAAMA Knicks Jun 04 '26

He's from central NJ not Newark

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u/DaveidT Knicks Jun 04 '26

He just sounds like he’s in a really good place in his life. Always liked him for how vulnerable he is and how much he’s gone through and having him on this team and how he’s molded his game to what’s needed has made me respect him so much more

46

u/lp_phnx327 Lakers Jun 04 '26

I'll always root for players like him. Just a overall good dude who stay grounded, recognizes the important things in live, and just happens to be really good at basketball.

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '26

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u/Troll_Dovahdoge Timberwolves Jun 04 '26

Kat winning a ring before jimmy would heal the world

62

u/Proof-Top-9024 Spurs Jun 04 '26

i... am now kind of rooting for KAT ngl - how can you not get emotional about that

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u/Due_Huckleberry_9712 Jun 04 '26

"I can't win with these kats!"

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u/deweycrow Jun 04 '26

Ironically, kat wouldn't do that bc he's a good person and not an asshole, unlike jimmy.

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u/krustomer Knicks Jun 04 '26 edited Jun 04 '26

my ex-friend was his (edit: jimmy's) kids' personal swim instructor and he would literally mock his kids in front of everyone

29

u/shish-bish Thunder Jun 04 '26

Jimmy?

30

u/krustomer Knicks Jun 04 '26

yup

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u/sol-fuego Knicks Jun 04 '26

My brother worked as a hand on a private air field in San Diego. Off all the celebs that came through, he said Jimmy was the only one to never tip lol and he said he stacks of cash for vegas on him.

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u/Epicallytossed Mavericks Jun 04 '26

KAT’s a really good dude and a great role model for kids

471

u/CharityFailethNot Jazz Jun 04 '26

Respect to both him and Wemby for keeping their emotions real in the biggest moments of their careers. It’s a lot easier to root for these guys when you remember it’s a human being wearing the jersey

Although that might not be true with Wemby, pretty sure he was made in a lab

23

u/Moostronus Raptors Jun 04 '26

Wemby's the most vulnerable and emotionally mature alien I've ever seen.

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u/Fax215 Jun 04 '26

Alright if the Knicks win, it's all good

85

u/_MMAgod Spurs Jun 04 '26

i wouldn't even trip TBH..

26

u/TroutCreekOkanagan Jun 04 '26

It’s actually better if they win in seven. Wemby will be in his prime and still waiting for his showtime moment next year.

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u/Apollo611 Lakers Jun 04 '26

Shoutout KAT he looked unbothered by Wemby

221

u/xRysonx 76ers Jun 04 '26

All big men who aren't twigs are unbothered by Wemby lol

163

u/NYK2Barca Jun 04 '26

Wemby isn’t strong lmfao, that dude gets pushed around. It’s his insane reach that’s the issue. Man can fucking extend his hands to grab almost any shot in the trajectory of the basket. It’s a cheat code

37

u/yoloqueuesf [NYK] Tracy McGrady Jun 04 '26

Yeah, Wemby can't really force his way in against KAT or Mitch like he can with Chet who basically gave up half way.

66

u/EfficientReach5571 Knicks Jun 04 '26

Thats why they invented basket interference for Wilt, they might have to expand the definition lol

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u/greywolf2155 Supersonics Jun 04 '26

Wemby is a fantastic modern defensive big, absolutely dominant in the paint against slashing wings and able to go out to the 3pt line and recover

But in a big man vs. big man post battle, he's definitely vulnerable

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u/fat_girl_chins Jun 04 '26

He’s a good kid

325

u/mattr1198 Knicks Jun 04 '26

Guy is so fucking likable. Has gone through a horrible amount of hardship and heartache. Not just his mother died from COVID back in 2020, but SIX other family members. I've also only heard great things about what he's done in Minnesota in terms of social justice too.

150

u/epenthesis Warriors Jun 04 '26

Knicks whole starting 5 is hella easy to root for. Solid dudes all.

58

u/FreezersAndWeezers Supersonics Jun 04 '26

Going down their list of guys it’s really hard to find someone unlikable. Contrast that with the other Spurs opponent and it’s almost a complete 180°

49

u/WaluigiIsTheRealHero Knicks Jun 04 '26

Facts. Jose Alvarado is the personification of every undersized city kid who dreamed about making it in the NBA and getting to see him play for a championship for the Knicks in the city he grew up in is like living vicariously for so many of us.

10

u/MutaKingPrime Thunder Jun 04 '26

That 3 he hit and then talked his shit to Julian had me out my seat

35

u/Strange_Botanist Jun 04 '26

Just the owner, really

18

u/mantiseye Knicks Jun 04 '26

we don't like him very much either

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u/Shot-Tap-1385 Jun 04 '26

Just was having this conversation the other day about how many family members he lost. What an unbelievable and unbearable situation to live through. Been a fan of KAT for a long time and watched him live through it all during covid (via social media) and play through all the heartache and grief. And yeah he had some terrible games with the wolves during that timeframe, who wouldn’t after losing so many close people, going through all that hell and letting your emotions take over. Got to watch him play in MN numerous times through his years there and the roars and cheers for KAT were always electric in Target Center. He has always been such so genuine and so articulate. Works hard, plays hard, devotes his free time to giving back to MN in so many ways (and still does even after being traded to NY). He had a post in 2020 or 2021 announcing that he had tested positive for covid and it was so vulnerable, he was promising all his family that he would do everything he could to beat it and not die. It was so heartbreaking. It’s fucking wild and insane that some people had Covid and only had a sniffle for a day or two or no symptoms at all and other families were decimated! KAT deserves all the attention and praise coming his way. He used all that grief to fuel him to keep going when it could have destroyed him. Happy for him to be in the finals and get his flowers with NY!

17

u/Presence_Present Bucks Jun 04 '26

I need this man to get a ring, he seriously deserves it

321

u/Some_Still_7855 Dominican Republic Jun 04 '26

Dominican brother right there

19

u/jonasmrcds Spurs Jun 04 '26

bendito sea el kat coño

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u/Competitive_Mix1997 Jun 04 '26

It’s really, really striking to see a player be this earnest and vulnerable in a postgame interview. He is a breath of fresh air in the league. Unfortunately I now want both teams to win the championship. 😂

656

u/LemonButterRum Jun 04 '26

damn, Spurs are cooked

280

u/yuckmouthteeth Trail Blazers Jun 04 '26

Knicks are cracked I fear

227

u/rdong Knicks Jun 04 '26

We have the power of friendship and family on our side how can anyone stop that??

66

u/yuckmouthteeth Trail Blazers Jun 04 '26

It’s like if the Heat had actual talent outside of Jimmy that one year.

7

u/WhoopingKing [MIA] Jason Williams Jun 04 '26

two years*

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u/nhthelegend Timberwolves Jun 04 '26

Timberwolves won game 1 against the Spurs, how’d that work out for us? Knicks are on a heater but there’s a lot of ball left to be played

62

u/Repulsive-Throat5068 Lakers Jun 04 '26

/r/nba try not to overreact to 1 game challenge

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u/LengthyNoodle Knicks Jun 04 '26

Man deserves all the flowers in the world

159

u/Longjumping_Idea5261 Knicks Jun 04 '26

The level of maturity and growth he has shown this year has been crazy. This is the guy who used to run up scores trying to pad stats back then. Huge respect and he’s really evolving into a complete basketball player

55

u/[deleted] Jun 04 '26

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14

u/ireland1988 Knicks Jun 04 '26

He did an over the shoulder no look pass to Mikal that Mikal fumbled when they were down a lot still. Surprised me he was able to style out like that when they were struggling. 

22

u/Bibbity_Boppity_BOOO Jun 04 '26

Kat was solid af

43

u/TheTKitt2323 Jun 04 '26

Damn..

They've always got our back ❤️

48

u/No-Signature8815 Jun 04 '26

He's an incredible man, he just is.

42

u/_HipStorian Knicks Jun 04 '26

Love this man

71

u/Major-Corner-640 Jun 04 '26

I came here to cheer, not to feel

38

u/dennis-w220 Jun 04 '26

That is very moving.

71

u/harlockwitcher Jun 04 '26

Hold up, this man's musings are THIS FIRE?

50

u/the_itsb Jun 04 '26

hope it's okay to comment as an /r/all lurker (it's still available on old reddit), but I just wanted to say that what he said about feeling like a child just excited to be there reminded me of what Alyssa Liu was saying about the olympics, and it makes me really happy to see people at the height of skill in their art embracing the joy that brought them to it in the first place.

I feel like this is energy the world needs right now – not endless grindset mindset, but remembering why we do the things we do – and I'm just really fucking happy to see this at the top of /r/all. 💖

16

u/SpamAcc17 Timberwolves Jun 04 '26 edited Jun 04 '26

You've got wemby with insane self expectations since he was drafted. Doing something because you believe you can mentality.

The passion and commitment from family that Brunson has from Rick and KAT from his Mom. Almost childlike trying to be like one's parents, enjoyment from the past, or living up to them.

I'm rooting for my former timberwolf first and foremost but regardless they are both so easy to root for.

12

u/Karltowns17 Jun 04 '26

You should go watch his Gatorade HS award speech from high school. He’s always been really thoughtful like this. Just a great dude.

93

u/Shadoken-TYPE0 Canada Jun 04 '26

The nuns aint got nothing on Mama KAT

33

u/dawnoog Lakers Jun 04 '26

What a beautiful post game interview, this one hit home

34

u/gravyshots Timberwolves Jun 04 '26

We told ya’ll when everyone clowned on him. He’s an amazing guy with a big heart who did wonderful, unforgettable things here for our Twin Cities community. Hate to root for a NY team but fuck man, let’s get KAT that ring.

29

u/Drying-Pan Knicks Jun 04 '26

Bro my heart…T_T

28

u/flyingcrayons [NYK] Toney Douglas Jun 04 '26

Pope blessed us and KAT felt his mother channeled thru him tonight im not religious in the slightest but that can’t be a coincidence

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u/Chickachic-aaaaahhh Thunder Jun 04 '26

Covid decimated this dudes family. I respect him for all his efforts and success.

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '26

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u/Plaitkul117 Thunder Jun 04 '26

You know what. I’m so glad I don’t have to root against the Knicks rn. I’m coping, but for real though.

21

u/Lmaobruh4465 Toronto Huskies Jun 04 '26

Tears rolling down my face man

24

u/RichAbbreviations966 Celtics Jun 04 '26

I love this man, he is so open with his feelings and sharing his grief, it’s really great to see. Men, this is true masculinity

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u/xRysonx 76ers Jun 04 '26

I hate the Knicks because I'm a sixers fan but I gotta admit the Knicks are a super fun team to watch and KAT is a beast

63

u/Talentagentfriend Jun 04 '26

This year is low-key a movie. Wemby in his first playoffs getting to the finals and playing for coach Pops — getting through the heavy favorite OKC. Then facing off against the Knicks whose fans have been dying to get here. And there is the criticisms Brunson gets as a star, Josh Hart’s transformation, and all of the Towns history. There has been so much going on here in terms of narrative. There’ll be even more when Mamdani and Trump are at game 3.

45

u/AwareUniverse Knicks Jun 04 '26

Another great narrative is Rick & Jalen Brunson. Rick was on the last Knicks team to make it to the Finals in 1999, but he only played a total of 10 seconds the entire series. The Knicks lost, and Rick bounced around the league a bit.

In 2006, Rick was trying to earn a spot on the 76ers, and his young son Jalen was with him to Philly. Rick was cut, and his career was over. Rick and Jalen drove back to NY and cried in the car together. Jalen remembers that shit.

Then years later, Jalen turns into a superstar for the Knicks and sweeps the 76ers, the same team that cut his dad all those years ago, and Rick is on the coaching staff. Seriously like a movie script haha

16

u/TofuTofu Knicks Jun 04 '26

Thibs played a huge role in this too. He's a huge Brunson family supporter.

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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '26

If leaving Minnesota is the way to get these guys rings im happy to watch them go. Nothing but love for big KAT.

14

u/Coolquip34 Celtics Jun 04 '26

good on KAT, man. He gets so much weird homophobic hate and for him to take the biggest moment of his career (to this point) as a chance to be incredibly vulnerable and raw takes a kind of courage that is truly admirable.

13

u/Independent_Scene673 Knicks Jun 04 '26

Super wholesome moment.

11

u/Sure_Association_991 Timberwolves Jun 04 '26

I’m so happy for Kat he really deserves this moment

12

u/madvisuals Lakers Jun 04 '26

Go get that chip big purr we all rooting for you 🤞

13

u/PeleisLegend Spurs Jun 04 '26

I can’t hate on him at all. He really set the tone and defended Wemby really well today

25

u/youngnailo Jun 04 '26

get that ring king

10

u/Sea_Radio4862 Timberwolves Jun 04 '26

KAT genuinely seems like one of the good ones. always will root for him!

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u/Lazarus704 Knicks Jun 04 '26

I’m not crying, you’re crying 😭

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u/pnoisebored Warriors Jun 04 '26

as someone who lost mom few months ago im rooting for you KAT!

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u/PreparationNo4843 Jun 04 '26

Bro a real one

8

u/Proper-Freedom-3103 Jun 04 '26

Got me misty eyed KAT

8

u/Pure-Solid9230 Pacers Jun 04 '26

KAT is a good man

9

u/Troll_Dovahdoge Timberwolves Jun 04 '26

I wish kat could've done this with the wolves😔💔

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9

u/orbitalheel Jun 04 '26

This shit gonna make me cry don't do this to me KAT

9

u/Rocinante24 Jun 04 '26

Lost my mom 3 months ago, and I can understand how the NBA finals don't phase KAT. I'd trade my biggest dream for one more night to hang out with my mom. Nothing matters outside of that.

5

u/yaj702932 Jun 04 '26

This made me feel for him. He must of gone through some very painful moments after his mom passed. Peace for him.

8

u/jeric13xd [CHI] Derrick Rose Jun 04 '26

Good shit KAT

7

u/cloudsmiles Jun 04 '26

Damn my man's got me tearing up... KAT you and the team have been making all of NY so proud, and hearing ya'll speak is so humbling. We love you and what you've all accomplished is nothing short of amazing. RIP to your ma.

13

u/-Jfree- 24 Jun 04 '26

i fucking love that we have 2 big men in the finals that dont give a fuck about being emotional and sentimental.incredible models for young boys in that aspect.

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