Victor Wembanyama’s return wasn’t scripted for comfort—it was written for contrast. In the span of a few days, he toppled Oklahoma City’s NBA Cup momentum, brushed up against a midseason championship, and then watched it all slip away against New York. The Spurs’ NBA Cup loss to the Knicks didn’t just end a run; it redirected the spotlight. As often happens with prodigies, the blame landed squarely on Wembanyama’s shoulders.

On paper, his night was solid: 18 points, six rebounds, two blocks in a 124–113 defeat, providing energy off the bench. But the box score was never the story. The moment that froze the room came afterward.

Standing at the podium, Wembanyama accepted responsibility—then, without warning, broke down. The 21-year-old fought through tears before delivering a sentence that reframed the entire night: “I’m sorry. I lost somebody today.”

From that instant, the game stopped mattering—and everything around Wembanyama did.

He didn’t take anymore questions after that and made a quiet exit from the post-game presser. He didn’t mention who he’s grieving but obviously his emotions were palpable.

Much later, it was confirmed that his grandmother in France had passed away. It’s unclear if Wemby is making the trip home for a final farewell to his grandma.

Until this moment, fans were sharpening their figurative pitchforks. Those came down instantly, and the NBA community was united in their sympathy for him. The details didn’t matter. Fans showed more grace as Wemby dealt with a personal and professional setback in one day.

Fans rally around Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama’s NBA journey has not been without its challenges. His 2024 DPOY campaign was cut short by a life-threatening blood clot condition. He starts the 2025-26 season keeping the Spurs near undefeated. Then a calf injury sidelines him for 12 games.

He only made it back for the NBA Cup semifinals and overturned expectations of a slow start by ending OKC’s winning streak. Yet when they lost the final to the Knicks, the criticism was directed solely at Wemby. Till this presser changed fans’ priorities.

The immediate response from fans was apologies like, “Urghh!! Sorry for hard criticism kiddo 😭” and “damn see now i gotta feel bad.”

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A few applauded him for staying in a crucial game despite the setback with encouragement like, “Turned up and still performed on the court, but end at the end of the day, still human and needs time.”

Some wondered if the grief had a part in his play tonight. “I should have known something was up. He rushed so many shots, decision making was so very much unlike him too.” Not that they’re mad at him for it.

A handful didn’t like that he brought that up immediately after losing the in-season tournament. But they were outnumbered by the supportive messages.

Initially, rumors circulated about who he lost. French sources later confirmed that he had lost his grandmother. He got the devastating news on Tuesday morning before the game. Fans immediately understood why he was down at the bench. The fact that he played the game through his grief endeared fans who sent him condolences, “Wemby showing up for his team during such a tough time, he deserves all the respect 🖤”

A few fans have moved on from the midseason loss and are looking at the future. “Condolences, he’ll definitely take this experience and bring it to the playoffs.” Every NBA Cup finalist in the past three years has made it to the playoffs. The Spurs’ odds look just as good. Fans hope that Wemby can power through the grief and lead the team that far.