The Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks started Sunday’s game on the same side following the passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant.
As was the case with the rest of the league, the two teams honored the Lakers legend after he perished in a helicopter crash in Los Angeles County. Bryant’s daughter, Gianna, who attended a December game between the Nets and Atlanta Hawks at Barclays Center, was, unfortunately, with her father.
To open the game, the Nets and Knicks each let the shot clock run down the full 24 seconds to pay homage to Bryant, recognizing one of the two numbers he wore throughout his NBA career. Spencer Dinwiddie, a longtime fan of Bryant, was the one in possession of the ball on Brooklyn’s behalf.
Both the @BrooklynNets and Knicks ran out the 24-second shot clock on their first possession of the game in honor of Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/OlcNBbsGlE
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) January 26, 2020
Kyrie Irving was not available for the Nets following the death of his close friend.
The Nets went on to lose the game 110-97.
Dinwiddie led all scoring with 23 points.
Taurean Prince (14), Rodions Kurucs (12), Jarrett Allen (11) and Joe Harris (11) each finished in double figures, as well.