NBA Star Breaks Down Remembering Girl Who Died of Cancer
He couldn't speak during parts of an emotional post-game interview.
— -- Washington Wizards star John Wall broke down in tears during an emotional post-game interview as he remembered a 6-year-old girl he befriended who lost her battle with cancer Monday.
Wall said he dedicated his performance in the Wizards double-overtime win against the Boston Celtics to Miyah Telemaque-Nelson. He met her a few months after she was diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma and started a social media campaign to help her meet rapper Nicki Minaj, reports CSN Washington.
"It's just tough to see a little kid who fights so hard against cancer and can't beat it," Wall said after the game.
"You're never like this. She really touched your heart, didn't she?" asked CSN Washington reporter Chris Miller.
Wall, unable to respond, only shook his head "yes" as he began sobbing.
Wall had been writing Telemaque-Nelson's name on his shoes all season, reports CSN Washington. They recently spoke via FaceTime, the team told the cable channel.
Wall told The Associated Press that he learned of her death via text message Monday morning.
"This game was really meant for her. It would've been an even tougher day to lose it," he said. "I just went into a mode where I didn't want to lose this game."