By JAKE FENNER, US SPORTS WRITER
Published: 09:56 EST, 17 December 2025 | Updated: 10:02 EST, 17 December 2025
After losing in the NBA Cup Final to the New York Knicks, Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs began to break down in tears. Turns out, it wasn't the defeat leading to his sadness.
Wembanyama took to the podium following the 124-113 defeat to the Knicks in Las Vegas on Tuesday evening.
But that game came hours after he was told earlier in the day that his grandmother had passed away back in his native France.
Facing reporters after the loss, Wembanyama took his first question in French from a journalist from his homeland.
A tearful Wembanyama then told the gathered press, in English, 'Sorry, I just lost somebody today. I'll take one more question.'
When asked how the Spurs would grow from the defeat, the Frenchman replied, 'I guess this is the best practice for important games because... our focus is already on the playoffs. The playoffs are going to be the biggest time of year. So I guess it's good that we have this experience today.'
Victor Wembanyama lost his grandmother and then played one of the biggest games of his NBA career hours later. He's also a 21-year-old human being. I know he talks trash in a sports setting. For those mocking this situation in any way, I hope you better yourself one day pic.twitter.com/XodnhEEUEY
— Josh Paredes (@Josh810) December 17, 2025
An emotional Victor Wembanyama revealed he lost his grandmother on the day of the NBA Cup
Wembanyama teared up at the podium, took two questions and then left for the locker room
Following this, Wembanyama and a Spurs staffer got up from the table and left the room.
Despite the heavy thoughts on his mind, the 7-foot star came off the bench to score 18 points and six rebounds.
Wembanyama played in his second game after returning from a calf injury.
San Antonio was led in scoring by bench guard Dylan Harper, who dropped 21 on the evening. Guard De'Aaron Fox put up 16 points while Stephon Castle managed a 15 point, 12 assist double-double.
The Knicks, meanwhile, were led to victory off a 28 point, nine rebound, three assist game from OG Anunoby.
New York star Jalen Brunson also managed a 25 point, four rebound, eight assist evening to lead the Knicks to their first trophy since they won the 1999 Eastern Conference Finals.