Victor Wembanyama played the NBA Cup Final carrying a weight that the box score could never capture. On Tuesday morning, just hours before tip-off, he learned that his grandmother had passed away in France. News like that would normally pull anyone away from everything – let alone from a basketball game. In the NBA Cup…
Victor Wembanyama played the NBA Cup Final carrying a weight that the box score could never capture. On Tuesday morning, just hours before tip-off, he learned that his grandmother had passed away in France. News like that would normally pull anyone away from everything – let alone from a basketball game.
In the NBA Cup Final loss to the Knicks, the Spurs’ No. 1 overall pick did not start, but once he checked in it was immediately clear that this was not a typical night. Less exuberance, more focus, and the occasional distant stare between plays.
In 25 minutes, he still managed to produce: 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Solid numbers in a game San Antonio ultimately lost to New York – but for Wembanyama, the night carried a very different meaning.
The hardest moment came afterward. Speaking softly during the postgame press conference, he apologized and said only:
I lost someone very close to me today.
Victor Wembanyama
After two questions, tears followed, and he left the room without further explanation. Only later did it emerge – reported by The Athletic – that he was referring to the passing of his grandmother.
