Dallas Mavericks pay homage to Kobe Bryant in first home game since tragedy
The Dallas Mavericks honored Kobe Bryant Tuesday night before and during their first home game at American Airlines Center since his death.
A moment of silence was held before the Mavs tipped off against the Phoenix Suns and as they did Monday night against the Thunder in Oklahoma City, the Mavs and Suns took eight-second and 24-second violations at the start of the game to honor Bryant’s two jersey numbers.
Bryant died along with eight others, including his 13-year-old daughter, in a helicopter crash Sunday in Los Angeles. Teams and players have paid tribute to Bryant during games the past three days.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday was postponed. Bryant spent his entire 20-year NBA career with the Lakers.
Before fans entered the AAC Tuesday, the sentiment of the night was clear as large images of Bryant adorned the area around the arena, including Nowitzki Way. Owner Mark Cuban announced hours after Bryant’s death that the Mavs were retiring No. 24 in his honor.
The Mavericks and their fans weren’t the only ones honoring Bryant in the Metroplex Tuesday night. Remembrances were held in high school gyms across DFW.
The L.D. Bell girls left their No. 24 jersey on the bench and they stood in a giant “8” during the national anthem as a tribute to the two numbers during his 20-year career. They also designed special warm-up shirts for their idol.
At Keller and Fossil Ridge games, fans were encouraged to wear purple and gold. And there was no admission fee at the Timber Creek-Denton Guyer game for anyone who wore Kobe gear.
This story was originally published January 28, 2020 at 7:45 PM.
