Watch all the ways Dallas Mavericks, OKC Thunder paid tribute to Kobe Bryant
Luka Doncic called it the hardest game he’s ever had to play.
The Dallas Mavericks’ star helped pay tribute to Kobe Bryant Monday night along with teammates and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In their first game since Bryant died along with his 13-year-old daughter and seven others in a helicopter crash, the Mavs and Thunder followed the lead from other teams by opening the game by taking an 8-second back-court violation and 24-second shot-clock violation in honor of Bryant’s two jersey numbers.
A moment of silence was held before the opening tip and the Chesapeake Arena displayed an image of Bryant on its exterior.
Doncic, who paid tribute to all nine victims on his shoes, doubled over with his head down while the Thunder dribbled out the 24 seconds. Other players honored Bryant on their shoes.
Mavs owner Mark Cuban announced the team will retire No. 24 to honor Bryant’s legacy hours after the tragedy.
