Video: Rockets' Ben McLemore Surprises Fan on IG Live, Gets Emotional Reaction

Megan ArmstrongSenior Analyst IIApril 7, 2020

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Ben McLemore #16 of the Houston Rockets looks on in the first half against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on February 20, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

An NBA game has not been played since March 11, but in some ways, fans are getting closer than ever to their favorite ballers.

Houston Rockets guard Ben McLemore surprised a fan on Instagram Live, and the boy was brought to tears when (virtually) face-to-face with "one of his favorite players":

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
Ben McLemore surprised this fan on IG Live and his reaction is everything 🙌 (via @BenMcLemore) https://t.co/BvYmhLRGcV

Ben McLemore @BenMcLemore
🙏🏽❤️ https://t.co/Z6rlGzRR20

"Aw, man, don't cry," McLemore said. "Dang. This is a special moment for me right here, y'all. This is special right here."

The 2013 seventh overall pick is in his first season with the Rockets after previous stints with the Sacramento Kings (2013-17, 2018-19) and Memphis Grizzlies (2017-18). McLemore was averaging 9.8 points and 2.2 rebounds across 63 games (19 starts) before the hiatus caused by COVID-19.

The Kansas product has refocused his efforts toward fighting the coronavirus:

Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
.@BenMcLemore has announced his partnership with C3 International to fill the void of N95 respirator masks. #NBATogether Read More: https://t.co/js6XOOzQ1L https://t.co/luGzl8Fmjo

Greg Bailey @GregBailey13
#Rockets guard Ben McLemore working to get thousands of medical grade masks to doctors and hospital staff in the next week. Hear from @BenMcLemore and his message to these heroes tonight at 6:30 on @abc13houston

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There is no plan in place for the NBA to return, though ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported last weekend that there is "a significant amount of pessimism" that the 2019-20 season can be salvaged.

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