Victor Wembanyama may not have shown any emotions on the court as the San Antonio Spurs played against the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup Final on Tuesday, but the 21-year-old was going through it, as he lost a close relative before the game.
Following their 124-113 loss to the Knicks, Wembanyama was visibly emotional and fought back tears as he addressed the media. In a video, the French basketball star is seen briefly speechless before he apologises and emotionally reveals that he lost somebody.
“Sorry, I just lost somebody today,” Wembanyama emotionally says.
Following the game, a team source told The Athletic that Wembanyama learned on Tuesday morning that his grandmother had died back home in France. That was before the 21-year-old and the Spurs’ game against the Knicks. Despite being visibly emotional, Wembanyama took another question before leaving.
Per Marca, Wembanyama’s deceased grandmother, Marie Christine, was his biggest fan, and she played a key role in her grandson’s basketball journey and his rise to superstardom.
READ ALSO: Meet Victor Wembanyama, the number 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft
Wembanyama’s grandfather and Marie Christine’s husband, Michel de Fautereau, also previously played professional basketball. And just like how she unconditionally supported her husband back then, she did the same for Wembanyama.
Marie Christine also did not let distance get in their way after her grandson made it to the NBA, as she attended multiple Spurs games. Her cause of death was not disclosed at the time of this report.
Despite mourning the loss of his grandmother during their game against the Knicks, Wembanyama contributed effectively, though he came off the bench. The 21-year-old finished the game with 18 points, six rebounds, two blocks, as well as an assist and a steal after playing for 25 minutes.
It can not be established if Wembanyama will be available for the Spurs’ upcoming games because of the loss of his grandmother. The team’s next game is against the Washington Wizards in San Antonio on Thursday.
