Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is redefining what it means to express emotion and vulnerability as a professional athlete, making space for San Antonio fans to do the same.

Why it matters: Conveying feelings is sometimes seen as a weakness, especially among men — but Wemby shows how embracing emotions unapologetically is a strength.

State of play: After the Spurs won Game 7 of the Western Conference finals, Wemby was moved to tears as he embraced teammate Stephon Castle before bringing together a team group hug — a display of emotions that's common for the 22-year-old French phenom.

• In late April, when the Spurs eliminated the Portland Trail Blazers from the Western Conference semifinals, a French reporter asked Wemby about being criticized for showing emotion.
• In a now-famous reply, he said: "I refuse to carry the burden of having to hide my emotions."

How it works: Expressing intense feelings, whether positive or negative, helps alleviate stress, Giancarlo Ferruzzi, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at UT Health San Antonio, tells Axios. Ferruzzi is also the designated mental health practitioner for the Spurs.

• He says athletes are often under excess stress and stimulation. Repressing feelings can lead to a buildup of stress hormones in the body that isn't healthy.

What they're saying: "When you see … Wemby be able to share this, and not feel at all as if it is untoward, then it just gives more permission and credibility for people to be both in touch with their feelings and hopefully express those," Ferruzzi says.

Zoom in: Ferruzzi says his friends were nearly moved to tears watching Wemby and the team mark the win. And they're not alone.

• "I started crying … more than I've cried in years," Jackals president Aidan Sterling tells Axios about watching Game 7 in Oklahoma City.

The bottom line: "These kinds of displays are so incredibly important and vital," Ferruzzi says.

Zoom out

"We've been down in a series before, never in the Finals, obviously, but I'm not kicking myself about anything really. I'm not worried in the slightest."

Texas Fashion Week is back in San Antonio with events running through Sunday.

Why it matters: The weeklong event aims to strengthen Texas' fashion ecosystem by connecting designers with industry resources, mentorship and exposure.

Zoom in: Programming includes runway shows, industry mixers, educational panels and the annual Texas Fashion Industry Initiative (TFII) Conference.

• The lineup features Texas-based designers including Johnathan Hayden, Jesús Del Real, Becky Hollands, LeTourneau Couture and Taryor Gabriels Clothing.
• A major theme this year is sustainability and education.

Reality check: Texas has long sat outside the country's traditional fashion capitals, and emerging designers still face hurdles such as production costs, limited industry networks and securing national exposure, organizers say.

• Texas Fashion Week executive producer and co-founder Saige Thomas tells Axios TFII is working to address those challenges through resources including legal and financial workshops for designers.

Flashback: San Antonio has been home to Texas Fashion Week since TFII launched here in 2018.

What's next: Expect runway events and a showcase of student-designed looks around downtown this weekend.

• Times and admission vary.
• See the schedule here.

The bottom line: Texas Fashion Week is positioning itself as a launchpad for homegrown talent.

📺 Democratic nominee for Texas governor, state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, aired her first ad of the general election during the NBA Finals last night. (Texas Tribune)

🚪 A policy expert is the eighth staff member to leave Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones' office. (SA Current)

💧 Comal County residents are asking the state to deny a permit for a treatment plant that would discharge treated wastewater into Canyon Lake and Devil's Hollow. (Express-News 🔑)

Downtown is about to get a lot more lively on Thursdays.

The latest: The city is launching Downtown Thursdays today offering free summer events. There will also be free parking at city-owned lots and garages, 5pm–2am.

• The weekly series features art, culture, music, food and family-friendly activities through the end of August.

State of play: The series kicks off with a block party at Legacy Park, 5–7pm.

• There will be food, live music, giveaways and more. Local SATX will offer free rides to other downtown destinations.

Between the lines: Downtown Thursdays replaces the city's Downtown Tuesdays program, which will return after the summer series ends.

• City spokesperson Kelly Saunders tells Axios the city shifted the program to summer Thursdays because downtown is typically busier later in the week.

Thursday

🪩 Disco AlFresco, the outdoor dance party series, is back for the summer starting at 7pm.

• The event is moving to Sunken Garden Theater at Brackenridge Park and will begin charging $6.50 admission.

Friday

🏀 Game 2 of the NBA Finals tips off at 7:30pm.

• Join other Spurs fans at watch party options like Civic Park at Hemisfair, Outlaw Pickle, Dos Cantinas at Mexico Ceaty and more.

🎨 It's also First Friday. Check out local galleries around Southtown before gametime.

Saturday

🛍️ Shop the June Market Days at Gather Brewing Company, 10am-2pm, with live music.

🐱 Head to Kitten Yoga for flow and cuddles with adoptable kittens, 10-11am at Dogtopia Stone Oak.

• An adult ticket costs about $30. A portion of the proceeds supports the San Antonio Feral Cat Coalition.

Sunday

🖼️ Enjoy Family Day at the McNay Art Museum, 1-4pm. Museum admission is free; there will be activities on the front lawn.