Remembering Kobe Bryant: Spurs-Raptors Open Game With Intentional Shot Clock Violations
Just hours removed from the sudden death of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, the Spurs and Raptors opened their Sunday afternoon contest by taking intentional shot clock violations to honor No. 24.
Players stood in place as the place as the Raptors let the clock run out on their first possession of the game. Fans and players alike rose to their feet, applauding the gesture. The Spurs did the same thing on their first possession.
Teams in countless other NBA games performed the same or similar gesture as well.
The Nuggets and Rockets also held a moment of silence to honor Bryant ahead of their Sunday afternoon tip.
Others from around the sports world were shocked by the news of Bryant's death.
Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash in California on Sunday morning. He was 41 years old.
TMZ was the first to report that Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were among those on the helicopter when it went down in the hills of Calabasas and a fire broke out. The crash occurred before 10 a.m. local time, and the fire made it difficult for firefighters and emergency personnel to get to the aircraft, according to the Los Angeles Times.
LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva told reporters that nine people were on board the aircraft—the pilot plus eight people.
More Coverage of Kobe Bryant's Death:
- Kobe Bryant, Daughter Die in California Helicopter Crash
- For the Bryant Family, An Unimaginable Loss
- Kobe Bryant Left His Mark as a Generational Hero
- Sports World Reacts to Kobe Bryant's Sudden Death
- Remembering Kobe Bryant: Sports Illustrated Covers Through the Years
- Spurs-Raptors Open Game With Shot Clock Violations to Honor Kobe
- Shaq Reflects on Kobe's Passing: "There’s No Words to Express the Pain"
