Victor Wembanyama wears his heart on his sleeve. The San Antonio Spurs superstar has not been hesitant to show his emotions on multiple occasions this season.
Following the Spurs’ 114-95 Game 5 win against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, the All-Star center emotionally embraced his teammates to celebrate.
When asked by reporter Maxime Aubin about people treating emotions as a weakness, Victor Wembanyama responded on Wednesday:
“I think it’s first and foremost a fear of judgment. Like this feeling that you have to act a certain way, social codes, I guess. Personally, I refuse to carry the burden of having to hide my emotions.”
Basketball fans saw Victor Wembanyama cry after France lost to the stacked Team USA in the championship round of the 2024 Olympics. Overcome by the 98-87 loss, Wemby had to be consoled by teammates and even by a few of his opponents.
Following an NBA Cup loss to the New York Knicks in mid-December, the newly named Defensive Player of the Year winner also fought back tears during the postgame conference. He told the media that he lost his grandmother before the showdown against the Knicks.
Victor Wembanyama also cried after leading the Spurs to a 116-112 come-from-behind win against the LA Clippers in early March. Wemby and his teammates were on fumes on the second night of a back-to-back set but rallied from a 25-point deficit to stun the Clippers.
Unlike most athletes, he has not been afraid to be stigmatized by showing his emotions.
Victor Wembanyama and Spurs Waiting for Second-Round Opponent
Victor Wembanayama and Co. punched a ticket to the Western Conference semis after eliminating the Portland Trail Blazers 4-1. The Spurs are awaiting the winner of the series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets for their next opponent. Minnesota, which leads the series by 3-2, can move on with a win on Thursday.
However, nobody would be surprised if the Nuggets can force a Game 7 due to the Timberwolves’ injury woes. Minnesota will be without Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) and Anthony Edwards (knee) for the rest of the season. Naz Reid is also dealing with an ankle injury.
Regardless of the opponent, the young Spurs are ready to face whoever earns the right to advance to the semifinals.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball and college baseball.
