NBA: Young Philadelphia 76ers fan writes emotional letter to Joel Embiid
- Published
A nine-year-old Philadelphia 76ers fan has written a letter to centre Joel Embiid after he was seen crying following his team's NBA play-off loss to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night.
Kawhi Leonard's dramatic buzzer-beater secured a 92-90 win and clinched a 4-3 series victory for the Raptors over the 76ers in the NBA's Eastern Conference semi-finals.
After the loss, Embiid was seen in tears on his way back to the changing room, a moment that clearly struck a chord with nine-year-old fan Olivia Djamoos.
She decided to write a letter to Embiid to remind him that "it's OK to lose sometimes".
Speaking to 6ABC News, external the nine-year-old said: "I thought he showed his emotions. I knew he was upset that he lost. I've lost basketball games too.
"I am sad, but I'm OK with it because I've won a bunch of games too, and same with Joel Embiid."
Other NBA stars have come out in support of Embiid with Utah Jazz centre Rudy Gobert saying: "Only losers think that crying is a sign of weakness.
"It only shows a how much a competitor and winner you are."