Victor Wembanyama teared up in the 2025 ‘NBA Cup’ postgame press conference, then he revealed he lost somebody close to him before the game.
Stay strong, Wemby! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/TjvYhNjLNy— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) December 17, 2025
The shift in fan reaction
Victor Wembanyama had been criticized for the Spurs’ defeat, but his revelation changed everything. Harsh comments quickly turned into condolences and respect. Many fans praised him for staying on the court despite his grief and showing accountability for the team.
Urghh!! Sorry for hard criticism kiddo 😭 https://t.co/Dv0CdlX0a3
— SB. (@SB_Mide) December 17, 2025
Others noted that his rushed decisions during the game made sense in light of the emotional burden. The NBA community rallied around the young star, setting aside the result to support him.
A career already full of challenges
Victor Wembanyama has faced adversity before. In 2024, a medical condition cut short his Defensive Player of the Year campaign. This season, a calf injury sidelined him for 12 games before he returned for the NBA Cup semifinals.
His impact was immediate, ending Oklahoma City’s streak, but the loss to New York brought criticism back. That narrative shifted once his personal tragedy came to light.
Looking ahead for the Spurs
Victor Wembanyama knows the season continues and the Spurs still aim for the playoffs. The NBA Cup experience, though painful, will serve as preparation for bigger challenges. As Essentiallysports pointed out, the franchise trusts that he can overcome this loss and lead the team forward.
The Frenchman has earned respect not only for his talent but also for his resilience. The death of his grandmother reminded fans that even stars like Victor Wembanyama carry grief that goes far beyond the sport.
