It was another emotional night for the basketball community and for the rest of the world, as teams and former players continue to remember the late Kobe Bryant.
The Raptors played at home for the first time since Sunday, the day Kobe and his daughter, along with and 7 others, were tragically killed in a helicopter crash outside of Calabasas in California.
Before the game, the Raptors played a video tribute for Kobe on the big screen at Scotiabank Arena.
Mamba Forever 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/IJya2dRxyB
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 29, 2020
The tribute was met with a standing ovation as fans chanted his name, and was followed by 24 seconds of silence.
Was at the Raps game. Many ppl wearing Kobe jersey. Raps did a fantastic job with their video tribute. Total class act organization. Crowd was very appreciative.
— petro (@Troskot) January 29, 2020
The tribute recognized all the people who were killed in the crash, including Kobe's 13-year-old daughter Gianna. The video also went on to recognize some of Kobe's accomplishments during his time in the league.
"He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that were legendary," the tribute said.
The Toronto Raptor was also seen wearing a Kobe jersey throughout the game.
Pregame Purple & Gold pic.twitter.com/kSrOGnS0UK
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 29, 2020
Some Raptors made their own subtle tributes to Kobe, including Chris Boucher who wrote "Rest in Peace GiGi/Kobe" on this shoes.
Chris Boucher. PG1. ♾ pic.twitter.com/PBoOXfrCYU
— SLAM Kicks (@SLAMKicks) January 29, 2020
Raptors Norm Powell and Kyle Lowery also wrote messages on their shoes.
💜💛 pic.twitter.com/vJbpUrtqw6
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 28, 2020
Powell also showed up in a special pre-game fit honoring Kobe and his daughter.
Legends Live Forever pic.twitter.com/TUDyJST2ha
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 28, 2020
While not an official member of the Raptors, superfan Nav Bhatia sat courtside in a Kobe jersey.
#tribute #respect #KobeBryant #24 pic.twitter.com/wK54xO2agG
— Nav Bhatia Superfan (@superfan_nav) January 29, 2020
Kobe fans in Toronto continue to mourn the loss of Kobe, and have set up a memorial for him outside Scotiabank Arena.
Kobe Bryant fans have made a memorial outside Scotiabank Arena - 📹 lifewithmaha https://t.co/DfcTvCmceT #Toronto #ScotiabankArena #KobeBryant #RIPKobeBryant pic.twitter.com/BT0mTTy8ND
— blogTO (@blogTO) January 28, 2020
While it was a emotional night, spirits were lifted with a 130-114 win over the Atlanta Hawks.
by Olivia Levesque via blogTO
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