Victor Wembanyama holds back tears after losing NBA Cup due to a death in his family
Victor Wembanyama on Dec. 16.
Victor Wembanyama spoke with media in a post-game press conference after the Spurs lost to the Knicks in the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup final
The Spurs star was emotional during the presser, and revealed that he "lost somebody today"
The final score of the Spurs-Knicks game was 124-113
Victor Wembanyama was emotional after losing the NBA Cup, revealing that he learned his grandmother had died earlier that day.
The San Antonio Spurs star, 21, held back tears during a post-game press conference after his team lost 124-113 to the New York Knicks in the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup Final, the league's mid-season tournament, on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
At one point during the presser, Wembanyama put his head in his hands as he sat at the mic. The room full of media remained quiet, until he opened up about what was on his mind.
"I'm sorry. I just lost somebody today," he shared, trying not to cry.
After taking his moment, Wembanyama said he'll "take one more question" from the reporters.
Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket during the game against the New York Knicks during the Emirates NBA Cup Final game on December 16, 2025 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada
Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket during the game against the New York Knicks during the Emirates NBA Cup Final game on December 16, 2025 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada
The third-year player then shared what he'll learn from the Spurs' loss to the Knicks "in a game that counts but doesn't" and how they'll grow as a team.
"I guess it's the best to practice for important games because of course our focus is already on the playoffs," the athlete said. "It's going to be the biggest time of the year, so it's good that we got this experience today."
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Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs goes to the basket during the third quarter against the New York Knicks in the Emirates NBA Cup Championship game at T-Mobile Arena on December 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada
Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs goes to the basket during the third quarter against the New York Knicks in the Emirates NBA Cup Championship game at T-Mobile Arena on December 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada
The NBA All-Star did not provide additional details during the press conference.
Wembanyama had learned that morning his grandmother had died in France, The Athletic later reported.
Despite the loss, the Spurs star went on to score 18 points during the championship game.
Og Anunoby (center, L) #8 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks lift the trophy after the team defeated the San Antonio Spurs 124-113 to win the championship game of the Emirates NBA Cup at T-Mobile Arena on December 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada
Og Anunoby (center, L) #8 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks lift the trophy after the team defeated the San Antonio Spurs 124-113 to win the championship game of the Emirates NBA Cup at T-Mobile Arena on December 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada
The Knicks, meanwhile, celebrated the NBA Cup win on the court and on social media. New York star Karl-Anthony Towns posted screenshots of his FaceTime calls with Knicks superfans (and super celebs) Ben Stiller and Timothée Chalamet, and the team partied in the locker room after securing the championship trophy.
Next, the Spurs and the Knicks get back to regular-season play, with the San Antonio team facing the Washington Wizards on Thursday, and the Knicks taking on the Pacers the same night.