TAIPEI (TVBS News) — New York Knicks star center Karl-Anthony Towns touched down at Taoyuan International Airport's Terminal 2 early Thursday (Aug. 28) morning, greeted by enthusiastic crowds of basketball fans. The NBA All-Star demonstrated his characteristic warmth upon arrival, engaging with supporters and flashing his signature smile throughout the reception. Towns' visit marks a significant moment for Taiwan's basketball community, bringing one of the sport's premier talents to the island for multiple promotional events.
The Taoyuan Taiwan Beer Leopards (台啤永豐雲豹), a professional basketball team in Taiwan's domestic league, will host the inaugural "Westin Cup 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament" at the Westin Tashee Resort later Thursday afternoon. Towns will serve as the featured guest at the tournament's closing ceremony, adding international star power to the local basketball event. The Taoyuan City Government, Taiwan's local municipal authority, has also extended invitations for Towns to attend the "2025 Taoyuan Pearl Coast Music Festival" and support the "9th Taoyuan Cup National 3-on-3 Basketball Game" finals.
The Taoyuan Arena will showcase the 2025 Asian Tournament on Saturday (Aug. 30) from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., featuring an unprecedented gathering of basketball talent. NBA superstar Kawhi Leonard will join Towns as special guests for the competition, creating a rare opportunity for fans to witness two elite players in action. The tournament will feature these international stars competing alongside top players from TAT and the Taiwan Beer Leopards (台啤永豐雲豹), representing Taiwan's premier basketball organizations. ◼
