VIDEO: Raptors and Spurs Open Game With 24-Second Violations in Honor of Kobe Bryant
By Sean Facey
The sporting world was rocked to its core on Sunday after the tragic news broke that NBA icon Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daugher Gianna had died in a helicopter crash. But in the midst of the heartwrenching news, players have begun to take the time to pay tribute to the legacy he left behind. Both the Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs took 24-second shot clock violations at the start of their afternoon matchup in honor of the number the Black Mamba wore in the second half of his storied career.
Raptors and Spurs start the game by each taking a 24 second clock violations to honor 24, #KobeByrant. Amazing. pic.twitter.com/Heq0B2LUmM
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) January 26, 2020
It's a spirited tribute to a man who changed the face of the game forever. In fact, you don't even have to be a basketball player to feel the impact Bryant leaves behind as a sheer competitor.
Neymar dedicated his 2nd goal to the late Kobe Bryant ? pic.twitter.com/F5ES0prtdP
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 26, 2020
This display of love and compassion shows the lasting impact Bryant had on the game of basketball and all who play it. He was the guy that every player aspires to be, and he will be missed greatly by fans and players everywhere.