John Wall showed some heartfelt emotion on Monday night after playing a great game in honor of a 6-year-old girl who died earlier in the day.
Wall met Miyah Telemaque-Nelson in March and felt an immediate connection with the young girl, who was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma last October. Sadly, Telemaque-Nelson succumbed to the disease Monday morning.
Wall had been writing Miyah’s name on his shoes all season and set up a social media movement in March to help the young girl meet Nicki Minaj. Wall and Miyah continued to keep in touch, with Wall even FaceTiming with the young girl two weeks ago.
Playing with Miyah on his mind, Wall scored 26 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and added 17 assists in the Wizards’ 133-132 double-overtime win over the Celtics. He was so emotional that he began crying in his postgame interview with CSN Washington and could not complete it.
Later in the evening, Wall posted a collage on his Instagram account along with this message about Miyah:
“If you were blessed to meet and get to know Miyah you know how special of a little girl she was. I’m saddened by the news but I know that she’s in a better place. Keep her family in your prayers. I’ll definitely miss my buddy. Rest In Peace Miyah.”
As we’ve seen in a previous press conference, Wall is unafraid to show his emotions. We respect him that much more because of it.
