"I want to congratulate you for all your success, and really the Dominican Republic is very proud," Abinader said in English. The president reflected on the significance of the moment for Towns' family and referenced the player’s late mother, Jacqueline Cruz-Towns , who was born in the Dominican Republic and died from COVID-19 complications in 2020. "Your mother has to be very proud of you in Heaven, looking at you," Abinader told him. "As well as all the country, all the Dominicans are very proud of you, of your success.” Abinader invited Towns to attend the Dominican Republic's July 3 matchup against the United States at the recently renovated NBA pavilion inside the Palacio de los Deportes Virgilio Travieso Soto. Towns said he did not realize the renovations had been completed and told the president he would "try" to attend. He also spoke about what it means to see the Dominican Republic receive greater international attention.…