'I'm proud of you': 9-year-old girl pens encouraging note to Joel Embiid after series loss to Raptors

Christie Ileto Image
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Girl, 9, pens encouraging note to Embiid after series loss to Raptors
Moved by Sixers center Joel Embiid's tears after game 7, Olivia Djamoos penned a handwritten note as reported by Christie Ileto during Action News at 11 on May 13, 2019.

MALVERN, Pa. (WPVI) -- Moved by Joel Embiid's tears after game 7, Olivia Djamoos penned a handwritten note to the Philadelphia 76ers star center after a heartbreaking playoff run.

"I thought he showed his emotions. I knew he was upset that he lost. I've lost basketball games too!" she said.

Third grade hoops is a little different from the NBA, but Olivia admits any loss is always tough.

"I am sad, but I'm okay with it because I've won a bunch of games too, and same with Joel Embiid," the 9-year-old said.

"I feel so proud of her that she recognized he was upset," said Melissa Djmoos, who recorded the end of Sunday night's game for her daughter to watch Monday morning.

"I understand that they lost the game, and that's unfortunate, but the part that touched me the most was the empathy that she felt that (Embiid) had showed," said Melissa.

"Dear Joel Embiid, you are my favorite player. I am sorry that you lost. I saw you crying on T.V. It's ok to lose sometimes, I lost basketball games too. You got so far and I'm proud of you and the 76ers!" the letter read.

Olivia hopes the letter cheers up her favorite player and that the team can make a run for the championship next year.

Copyright © 2024 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.