Towns scores a double celebration! Announces engagement to longtime girlfriend Woods and leads Knicks to a comeback win over the Cavaliers in year-end clash

On December 26th Beijing time, the Knicks overturned the Cavaliers 126-124, and this win was not the sole highlight for Towns on the festive day.

Towns and his girlfriend Woods revealed their engagement on Instagram, posting multiple pictures accompanied by a playful pun "Marry Christmas." The couple had been dating for five years prior to their recent engagement.

The two have been friends for many years and began officially dating in 2020. "Woods and I met years ago through mutual friends and became friends first," Towns explained in a 2021 interview. "Since then, our bond grew deeper beyond just friendship. Not in that way, but we became best friends first. After that, our relationship progressed further."

In November 2023, Woods spoke to People magazine about the secret to their lasting relationship, attributing their success to the "friendship and trust" they built before becoming a couple.

"Before we started dating, we were already very close friends. The pandemic gave us plenty of time to truly get to know each other, unlike many who jump into relationships without really understanding their partner," she said at the time.

The couple also made headlines last month when Woods gifted Towns a car identical to one his mother owned during his childhood.

On the court, Towns and the Knicks improved to a 21-9 record with this win over the Cavaliers. Towns posted a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds, while Brunson led the team with 34 points. The Knicks overcame a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter to secure a dramatic comeback victory.

Currently, the Knicks sit second in the Eastern Conference, appearing well-prepared for a deep playoff run.

Even if they don’t capture the championship, Towns can take comfort in knowing that through this engagement, he is gaining a ring of a different kind.