To say that it has been a rough year for Karl-Anthony Towns would be an understatement. He's dealt with a number of injuries that have kept him off the court at times, as well as contracting COVID-19. But those things are just minor issues when compared with the loss of his mother, who passed away from COVID-19 in April of 2020. 

On Monday night, Towns was able to appreciate something for the first time since then, his father, Karl Towns Sr., attending one of his games. 

"Me and my dad got emotional before the game," Towns told reporters after the game. "Because he made his presence known. It affected me because my mom always did that."

Karl Sr. is in the building! pic.twitter.com/73EBDb3N6J

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) March 29, 2021

"It was really the first time having family watch me playing in person," Towns told the media after the game. "And it's crazy seeing my dad. I'm like, 'Where's my mom? She's gonna come.' And, obviously, she's not gonna show up. That affected me, but I go out there and play the best I can for this team."

In the loss to the Nets, Towns totaled 31 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists.