NBA Stars React to Tragic Death of Karl-Anthony Towns' Beloved Mother Jackie
By Michael Luciano
Despite not playing a second of NBA basketball, Jacqueline "Jackie" Cruz, the mother of Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Karl-Anthony Towns, left a profound impact on the basketball world. Cruz tragically died this afternoon after a long fight with the coronavirus, which prompted reactions from across the NBA community, a group of men now dealing with an all-new enemy.
Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell, who overcame the coronavirus himself, sent "love and prayers" to Towns.
?? damn man this hurts!! Sending love and prayers your way @KarlTowns ❤️ https://t.co/UyAz9UJdiL
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) April 13, 2020
Longtime NBA shooting guard Jamal Crawford remembered how "warm and sweet" Cruz was in their interactions together.
Mrs. Towns was always warm and sweet. Praying for the whole Towns family. RIP....??
— ? Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) April 13, 2020
Washington Wizards point guard John Wall sent his "love and prayers" to his fellow Kentucky Wildcat and his family.
Sending my love and prayers to my brother @KarlTowns and his family❤️ ??
— John Wall (@JohnWall) April 13, 2020
Memphis Grizzlies breakout rookie Ja Morant offered his prayers to the Towns family after KAT lost his mother at the age of 52.
aww man ? prayers up ?? https://t.co/B2rJYp8aEr
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) April 13, 2020
Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young hopes that this news will get NBA fans who haven't already to start taking this pandemic seriously.
Wow... I hope everybody is taking this pandemic seriously... Continue to Pray for every family through this tough time, and hold your Loved ones Close??❤️
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) April 13, 2020
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine, who played with Towns in Minnesota, offered his sincere prayers to his former teammate as well.
I’m so sorry @KarlTowns love you bro! Thoughts and prayer to your family.
— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) April 13, 2020
We wish Towns and his family nothing but the best as they try to heal in these difficult times. It may seem impossible, but there's an entire NBA (and Wildcat!) family who's got your back.