Karl-Anthony Towns delivered an emotionally-charged Game 1 of the NBA Finals. KAT played for the memory of his late mother in the 105-95 win over the San Antonio Spurs. He then dropped some powerful advice to a rising big man in Derik Queen.
The 21-year-old Queen played the surprise role of media contributor during Thursday’s press conference. The New Orleans Pelicans center asked if he could have advice.
“You are already superbly talented, I’ve seen it firsthand,” Towns begins. “I think for me, it’s more about just locking in, looking at the film and just consistently working hard.”
Towns continued to hand Queen nuggets on how to succeed as a big in the NBA.
“Especially early in your career, just never leave the gym,” Towns said. “Just be infatuated with the work. The magic is really in the work.”
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Queen just tasted his first league experience this past season. He arrived as the 13th overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft and originally looked ready to begin a career with the Atlanta Hawks. Queen delivered a stout career with Maryland to boost his draft stock.
He showed flashes of his potential in delivering 11.7 points with 7.1 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-9 big additionally dished out 3.7 assists a night. But he delivered his biggest breakouts in the final two regular season contests: 25 points versus the Boston Celtics and 30 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
KAT, meanwhile, pounded 18 points facing a physical Spurs team that even knocked him to the floor multiple times. Yet Towns’ night proved what he’s capable of compared to Oklahoma City Thunder star Chet Holmgren, who got dismantled against these Spurs. Queen likely absorbed nuggets from KAT in that Knicks’ Game 1 win.
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