The basketball world is mourning the loss of Kobe Bryant after his tragic death in a helicopter crash at the age of 41. His 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, was also confirmed dead in the crash; they are survived by Kobe’s wife Vanessa and their three other daughters.
For now, NBA games scheduled for Sunday continue as planned, and players around the league are finding their own ways to honour one of the game’s greats.
The Toronto Raptors and the San Antonio Spurs did so in touching fashion, each taking 24-second shot clock violations to begin their game. Kobe wore No. 24 for the final 10 years of his career.
The crowd in San Antonio began to applaud and chant ‘Kobe’ after the Raptors dribbled out their first possession, and this became a standing ovation after the Spurs did the same.
DeMar DeRozan was born and raised in Compton, and has often spoken about Kobe as one of his personal idols and eventual mentor. The same goes for San Diego-born Norman Powell, and other players such as OG Anunoby and Stanley Johnson were among those that took lessons from Kobe at his Mamba Sports Academy camps.
Kobe’s impact on the game was profound and just about every player in the league has their own ties, direct or indirect, to him. The tributes continue to flood in.
UPDATE: As more games tip off around the NBA, more teams have also honoured Kobe with 8-second and 24-second violations: both teams at the Suns-Grizzlies, Clippers-Magic, Pelicans-Celtics and Hawks-Wizards games.
Trae Young began the Hawks game wearing Kobe's No. 8, instead of his usual No. 11, before switching back following a timeout.
