As the New York Knicks chase their first NBA championship in more than 50 years, star big man Karl-Anthony Towns says one Bible verse has remained central to both his basketball journey and his personal life: Philippians 4:13.

The Knicks’ forward and center have played a major role in leading New York to the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 20.1 points and 11.9 rebounds per game this season. But beyond the statistics and playoff spotlight, Towns says his Christian faith has helped sustain him through some of the darkest moments of his life.

Speaking with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt following New York’s Game 2 victory, Towns reflected on the devastating loss of his mother, Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, who died in April 2020 from complications related to COVID-19 at the age of 58.

“Other than losing a child, there’s nothing worse you could go through, and it builds you, it builds you up, and it strengthens you beyond measure,” Towns said. “That’s why I’ve got Philippians 4:13 and the date [of her passing] tattooed on my neck – ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'”

Karl-Anthony Towns on losing his mom.

“I feel like other than losing a child, there’s nothing worse you could go through, and it builds you up, and it strengthens you beyond measure. That’s why I got Philippians 4:13 and the date tattooed on my neck. I could do all things… pic.twitter.com/zq6UgorcJi

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 6, 2026

The verse, found in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians, has long been one of the NBA star’s favorites. But Towns explained that its meaning deepened significantly after losing his mother.

“I was strengthened on April 13 [2020] when I lost my mother,” he said. “That’s been my favorite Bible verse my whole life since I was little.”

Towns said he could never have predicted how powerfully those words would one day speak into his own grief and pain.

“I didn’t know the significance [the verse] would have in my life when I became an adult,” he said, “but what I do know is that I truly can do anything when I walk in faith, when I walk with the angels beside me – I feel anything is possible. I feel nothing is impossible.”

The 29-year-old also used the moment to honor the people and communities who helped shape his life and basketball career. While Towns grew up in New Jersey, his mother immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic, something he says continues to motivate him every day.

“I’m just grateful to be in this position, because I know a lot of friends of mine that are not here to see this moment,” Towns said. “I know a lot of people I love tremendously that aren’t here to give me that hug or to give me that text message.”

The Knicks star added that he plays not only for himself, but for his family, his late mother, and the people who supported him throughout his life.

“I do this for my mother’s country, I do it for everybody in the Dominican Republic, I do it for everyone in the city that welcomed my mother when she immigrated over,” he said.

Towns also reflected on the importance of community and support throughout life’s challenges and victories.

“It takes a tribe to get here, and it takes a village,” he said. “And I’m so blessed that I’ve had the village I’ve had in my life to get to this point.”

As New York continues its championship pursuit, Towns’ testimony is resonating with many fans who see in his story a reminder that faith can provide strength even in seasons of grief, heartbreak, and uncertainty.