New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns celebrated his 30th birthday in a memorable way, thanks to a heartfelt gift from his girlfriend, Jordyn Woods. On Saturday, Woods surprised Towns with a black 1990s Isuzu Trooper, a vehicle that holds deep significance for the basketball star. This particular SUV was the same model driven by his late mother, Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, during his childhood.
Woods shared the story behind this meaningful gesture in an Instagram post. She recounted a conversation they had the previous summer, in which Towns expressed a simple wish: if he could drive any car for a day, it would be his mother’s vehicle. “I wouldn’t pick anything crazy. I just really loved my mom’s car she had when I was a kid,” Towns had said.
Following this conversation, Woods embarked on a mission to locate the specific model his mother drove, arrange for its shipment across the country to the East Coast, and restore it in time for Towns’ special day. It is noteworthy that the last model of the Isuzu Trooper was manufactured in 2002, when it was succeeded by the Isuzu Ascender and Axiom.
Towns expressed his excitement upon receiving the vehicle, stating, “This s— is so fire. This is the best thing ever,” as he took it for a drive. The emotional connection to the car is particularly poignant, as Towns’ mother passed away in April 2020 due to complications from COVID-19 at the age of 58.
Towns and Woods began their relationship in May 2020, later making their public debut on social media in September of that year. As of now, Towns is contributing significantly to the Knicks’ performance, averaging 21.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game in the current NBA season.
This heartfelt gesture from Woods not only highlights their bond but also serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of family memories. As Towns continues to excel on the basketball court, the Isuzu Trooper stands as a symbol of cherished moments from his past.
