Victor Wimbanyama adds a new twist to Lesley Gore’s 1963 hit “It’s My Party.”
In it, she sings: “It’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to.”
Wimbanyama, 22, said the same thing when he addressed fans who criticized and mocked him for crying after Tottenham’s emotional victories in an interview with French outlet L’Equipe.
The Spurs star recently received attention from fans who noticed him crying after their win over the Clippers last month.
On Tuesday, he was visibly emotional on the bench as San Antonio clinched a five-game opening-round series over the Trail Blazers.
When the French outlet asked Wimpy about it, he had no problem defending his feelings.
“That’s a tough question. I think it’s first and foremost a fear of judgment.” He told L’Equipe reporter Maxime Aubin. “Like this feeling that you have to act a certain way, according to social rules, I guess. Personally, I refuse to bear the burden of having to hide my feelings.”
Wimbanyama has become a huge star — both in stature and popularity — during his first three seasons in the NBA.
During the postseason, he averaged 21 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.0 blocks over four games.
Blazers. Getty Images
As for the emotions following Tuesday night’s win, Wimpanyama explained that it felt like Spurs had taken a “step too far.”
“It feels like a step has been taken, and the first step has been completed. Personally, I am happy to see things moving forward in the right direction.” He said.
San Antonio is on its first playoff run since the 2018-19 season, and it’s hard to imagine any Spurs fan having any problem with the big man’s emotional displays as the team continues to win.
The Spurs will face the winner of the Nuggets-Timberwolves series.