The Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs paid tribute to the late Kobe Bryant at the start of their NBA matchup.
Both teams took turns incurring 24-second violations to start their game to honour the memory of Bryant, who wore the number 24 during his playing career with the LosAngeles Lakers.
The Raptors and Spurs both took a 24-second shot clock violation to honor Kobe Bryant
In an obvious tribute to Kobe Bryant, Fred VanVleet opened the game by holding the ball after passing halfcourt for a 24-second violation. Dejounte Murray is now doing the same for the Spurs. All of this going on as the fans rise, applaud and chant Kobe.
Police said nine people died in a tragic helicopter crash in Calabasis, California this morning. The chopper burst into flames as it hit the ground.
Bryant, who was a father-of-four, and his daughter Gigi, 13, was among those killed in the crash, TMZ reports.
Kobe Bryant. Photo / AP
Despite the tragic news, so far the NBA's slate of games is continuing as planned but with added emotional weight from the loss of one of the sport's legends.
Other NBA games also paid similar tributes to Bryant.
The Grizzlies dribbled out 24 second clock The Suns took an 8 sec violation The crowd chanted “KOBE! KOBE!” pic.twitter.com/MWzXoj0pCh
Man I don’t even know where to start😭😭 I started playing ball because of KOBE after watching the 2010 finals. I had never watched ball before that and that finals was the turning point of my life. I WANTED TO BE LIKE KOBE. I’m so FREAKING SAD right now!!!!
