Nuggets, Rockets observe moment of silence for late Kobe Bryant

Los Angeles Lakers great and future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant passed away Sunday in a helicopter crash at 41 years old.

Just before Sunday afternoon’s scheduled game between the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets, news leaked that NBA legend and former Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash.

Bryant was 41 years old.

The county Sheriff’s Department said all five people aboard the helicopter were killed and that the investigation was continuing. Outside of Bryant, the complete list of those who perished in the crash had not been confirmed as of early Sunday afternoon.

While there was speculation on social media over whether Sunday’s games would be played given the news, the game tipped off shortly after 1:30 p.m. local time in Denver, as scheduled.

Players on both teams appeared visibly distraught before and during the game after learning of Bryant’s passing.

The Nuggets held a moment of silence at Pepsi Center before the game to honor Bryant’s memory. Chants of “Kobe” broke out in the crowd.

Both of Houston’s current star players, James Harden and Russell Westbrook, grew up in the Los Angeles area and became close with Bryant over their time in the NBA.

During 20 seasons with the Lakers, Bryant was a five-time NBA champion; a two-time MVP and scoring champion; and an 18-time All-Star.

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