The Houston Rockets played a tribute video and held a moment of silence before Friday’s game at Toyota Center to honor the late Kobe Bryant.
It was the team’s first home game since the tragedy. The tribute was followed by a 24-second violation, as a nod to Bryant’s jersey number.
On Sunday, Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash. He was 41 years old. Everyone on board died, including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. All nine victims were honored in Friday’s tributes in Houston.
Bryant is survived by his wife, Vanessa, and three other daughters.
The @HoustonRockets tribute for Kobe, followed by a 24 second moment of silence for Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant and the 7 others tragically killed in the helicopter crash. pic.twitter.com/aCJSN4kaYo
— Cayleigh Griffin (@cayleighgriffin) February 1, 2020
The tragedy has brought a renewed focus on Bryant’s unique and historic legacy, both on and off the basketball court. Throughout the week, several current and former members of the Rockets organization have addressed how Bryant made a personal impact on them.
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During 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers from 1996 through 2016, Bryant was a five-time NBA champion; an 18-time All-Star; a two-time Olympic gold medalist; and an MVP, among his numerous accolades. He’s the No. 4 scorer in NBA history, one spot above Michael Jordan.
Bryant appeared in 61 career regular-season games against the Rockets in those 20 years, with the Lakers going 35-26 (.574) in those contests. The future Hall of Fame guard averaged 26.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game versus Houston.
Gerald Green at Toyota Center wearing a Kobe Bryant Jersey: “He meant a lot to me. He inspired me since I was a little kid.” Said he’s had that jersey for awhile: “I just never wore it because I’ve always been a Houston guy, but definitely got to show respect when it’s due.” pic.twitter.com/kGYr4lmbn0
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) January 31, 2020
But Bryant and the Lakers really did their damage in the playoffs. During his career, the Lakers were a perfect 3-0 in playoff series against the Rockets — including a 3-1 win in the 1999 first round, a 4-1 win in the 2004 first round, and a 4-3 triumph in the 2009 second round.
In those three playoff series, Bryant averaged 24.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. Combining the playoffs and regular season, Bryant scored 40+ points nine times when facing Houston, including three games of 50+ points.
Mike D’Antoni on the #Rockets getting the opportunity tonight to honor and remember Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and the 7 other victims of Sunday’s helicopter crash in California: “It’s tough times. U just got to get through it..This will be a nice tribute to them tonight” pic.twitter.com/7mBnWXYcsS
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) January 31, 2020
Bryant often got the better of the Rockets, as he did most teams. That’s why he’s widely considered among the league’s all-time greats. On Friday, the organization and its fans appropriately paid their respects.
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At the front of Toyota Center the #Rockets honor and remember the late superstar Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and the seven other victims of Sunday’s helicopter crash in California. pic.twitter.com/46ZMHWgAbJ
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) January 31, 2020