New York Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns missed the team’s game on Tuesday night against the Golden State Warriors for personal reasons, and he’s now opening up about what caused his absence.

Jordyn Woods' cryptic tweet sparks concerns after boyfriend Karl-Anthony Towns misses Knicks game | The Independent

According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, Towns missed the game to attend the funeral of a friend who died.

“This is one of those moments where I had to be there for my family and be there for the kids that lost somebody really special to them,” the All-Star center said on Thursday.

Towns’ friend was Sarah Holtzman, who died after a battle with breast cancer. Holtzman was also close to Towns’ girlfriend Jordyn Woods.

Unfortunately, Holtzman’s passing is the latest in several personal tragedies to affect Towns, and he opened up about how he’s dealt with them.

“I want to say that all the losses I’ve had have taught me how to appreciate life and find joy in the work. Not many people have a chance to have this job and be able to play basketball for a living,” the five-time All-Star said.

“And the problems that have arisen in my life and stuff, I know that if people were in my shoes they’d be extremely joyful to have the problems that I have. So just stay focused and it’s made me a better man.”

Towns said that he didn’t want to go into detail about what happened after dealing with the emotions privately, but he acknowledged his teammates and the Knicks’ organization for their support.

A closeup of Karl-Anthony Towns during a game.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 28: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves watches the action in the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 28, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

“I do appreciate the organization. My teammates giving me so much grace, and support through the time when I really needed it,” Towns added.

“So I really appreciate that a lot to allow me to go through what I got to go through.”

Towns lost several family members during the COVID-19 pandemic, including his mother. He’s been open about how close they were and how losing her took a toll on him through that part of his life, both personally and professionally.

Towns is expected to be back with the Knicks for their game on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he’ll be able to get back to enjoying the work of playing basketball for a living.

Karl-Anthony Towns steps up late as Timberwolves edge Knicks | Sporting News