It's safe to say John Wall will never forget last night's win.
On Monday, the Washington Wizards point guard said goodbye to his close friend, 6-year-old Miyah Telemaque-Nelson, who passed away following her year-long battle with Burkitt's lymphoma.
The NBA player dedicated that night's game against the Boston Celtics to the young girl, writing the words "RIP Miyah" on his sneakers. The athlete, who scored 26 points and had 17 assists, broke down in tears during a postgame interview when asked how she had touched his heart.
"It's just tough, man," the 24-year-old said. "To see a little kid fight so hard for cancer and can't beat it."
Later, the basketball star posted a touching photo collage on Twitter with an emotional tribute.
"If you were blessed to meet and get to know Miyah you know how special of a little girl she was," he wrote. "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."
Wall and Telemaque-Nelson met earlier this year and quickly formed a close bond. He even helped make the late cancer patient's dream of meeting her idol, Nicki Minaj, come true in March.
"I'm put on the earth, not just to play basketball, but to be a role model and help other people," he said in a SportsCenter interview on Tuesday morning. "This was an opportunity for me to make her wish come true."