Tag: Kobe

Justin Thomas talks Kobe jersey at Waste Management Phoenix Open

Justin Thomas discusses why he wore a Kobe Bryant jersey on the 16th hole at the first round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

Justin Thomas discusses why he wore a Kobe Bryant jersey on the 16th hole at the first round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

After history in 2016, Warriors tune in for Kobe Bryant’s final game

Steve Kerr said after the Warriors won their historic 73rd regular-season game, in the locker room, the team tuned in to watch Kobe Bryant’s final NBA game.

On April 13, 2016, the Golden State Warriors made NBA history, winning their record-setting 73rd regular-season game. After taking down the Memphis Grizzlies 125-104, Golden State went into the locker room not to celebrate, but to watch the final game of an NBA legend.

On the same night, Kobe Bryant suited up for the last game of his NBA farewell tour against the Utah Jazz. Bryant made it memorable, scoring 60 points on 22-of-50 shooting from the field, leading Los Angeles to a 101-91 in the final game of his storied NBA career.

In the wake of a fatal helicopter crash that tragically claimed Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others’ lives, Steve Kerr was asked by Anthony Slater of The Athletic if he remembers Bryant’s epic final performance.

I do remember it — we made history and stayed out on the floor — it was a celebration out on the court and we stayed out on the floor for quite a while and then we all went in the locker room and the game was on — everybody’s whispering, ‘Kobe’s got 40’ and we watched the last few minutes as he racked up the points — players were all watching on their side of the locker room, and coaches were all in our locker room watching — it was an incredible night.

Kerr and the Warriors were able to celebrate Bryant’s life against the Philadelphia 76ers with an eight and 24-second violation at the start of their game.

The Warriors will have a chance to honor Bryant in San Francisco when they return to Chase Center on February 8 against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

Report: Alec Burks to change from No. 8 jersey in honor of Kobe Bryant

Alec Burks is moving on from his No. 8 jersey and switching to No. 20 to honor fallen NBA legend, Kobe Bryant.

Since the devastating news of Kobe Bryant’s tragic death in a helicopter crash that killed Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others, the NBA has tried to honor the fallen legend.

Players like Stephen Curry, D’Angelo Russell and Draymond Green have all weighed in on social media in remembrance of Bryant. During the Warriors’ first game since his passing, Golden State and the Philadelphia 76ers honored Bryant with a pregame ceremony, and each team took violations after the game tipped off.

Against Golden State, 76ers’ center, Joel Embiid wore Bryant’s No. 24 in his honor, instead of his regular No. 21 jersey. The 76ers all wore No. 8 or No. 24 with Bryant laced across the back in pregame warm-ups.

The honors for Bryant keep rolling in as the news of his death is still rippling through the NBA. Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports is reporting Golden State swingman, Alec Burks will change his jersey from No. 8 to No. 20 with respect to Bryant.

Other players in the NBA are changing from either Bryant’s No. 8 or No. 24 to different jersey numbers. According to reports, Brooklyn’s Spencer Dinwiddie, Detroit’s Markieff Morris and former Warrior, turned Laker, Quinn Cook have all swapped numbers since the loss of Bryant.

No Warriors will be switching from No. 24 as it’s already retired in honor of Hall of Famer, Rick Barry.

D’Angelo Russell’s 28 not enough in emotional night vs. 76ers, 115-104

The Warriors fought tough for three consecutive quarters, but in the fourth the team came undone, falling in Philadelphia, 115-104.

In the first contest to kick off a five-game east coast road swing, the Golden State battled the Philadelphia 76ers for three consecutive quarters. Yet, a sloppy final period stunted the Warriors bid for an upset win.

Going into the fourth quarter, Golden State only trailed by four points, but a slow start to the fourth quarter that resulted in only 35 % shooting from the field. A combined 17 fourth-quarter points from Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris and Al Horford closed the Warriors out, 115-104.

D’Angelo Russell carried the Warriors, scoring 28 points on 10-of-22 shooting, adding seven assists and five boards. Paring with Russell, Draymond Green netted a near triple-double in Philadelphia, tallying 12 assists, nine points and nine rebounds.

Golden State will now make the trip to Massachusetts to face the Eastern Conference power, the Boston Celtics on the second leg of their road trip.

Remembering Kobe Bryant

In the first game in his hometown since his tragic death, Kobe Bryant’s impact in not only the city of Philadelphia but the game of basketball was on full display.

Starting with the 76ers’ warmup attire, players wore exclusive “Bryant” editions of their white home jerseys. Bryant, his daughter Gianna, along with seven others, were honored with a moment of silence on the video board before tip-off.

At the start of the game, the 76ers took an eight-second violation following with Golden State taking a 24-second penalty as an ode to both of Bryant’s jersey numbers he wore with Los Angeles.

Lastly, Philadelphia center, Joel Embiid, wore Bryant’s No. 24 jersey instead of his No. 21 in honor of the fallen legend against Golden State. Embiid ended the evening, leading the 76ers with the same amount of points as his new jersey number.

76ers Joel Embiid dons No. 24 jersey to honor Kobe Bryant vs. Warriors

Against the Golden State Warriors, Joel Embiid switched his jersey number to No. 24 to honor fallen NBA legend, Kobe Bryant.

Since the devastating death of Kobe Bryant in a fatal helicopter crash that also claimed the lives of his daughter Gianna and seven others, players across the league have been paying tribute to the “Mamba.”

There has been an outpour on social media, with many players sending emotional messages regarding the fallen NBA legend. Draymond Green, Stephen Curry and D’Angelo Russell have all used their social media platforms to honor Bryant.

On the court, teams have been taking eight and 24-second violations as an ode to Bryant’s two jersey numbers he wore in his career. On Tuesday, in their first game action since Bryant’s passing, the Golden State Warriors traveled to his hometown of Philadelphia for a contest with the 76ers.

The 76ers and Warriors followed suit with the rest of the league, taking an eight and 24-second violation to start the game. However, it wasn’t the only attempt at honoring Bryant.

Joel Embiid suited up in Bryant’s No. 24 jersey against the Warriors. The No. 24 is retired from 76ers Hall of Famer, Bobby Jones, yet Embiid received permission to wear the jersey against Golden State.

Golden State won’t have the chance to honor Bryant in San Francisco until February 8, as they are currently riding a five-game road trip. When Golden State does return to the Bay Area, they will host Bryant’s former team, the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center.

76ers and Warriors honor Kobe Bryant in his hometown of Philadelphia

In Kobe Bryant’s hometown of Philadelphia, the Golden State Warriors and the 76ers honored the fallen legend at the start of the game.

Since the tragic death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant in a fatal helicopter crash that included his daughter, Gianna, and seven others, the basketball world has been spilling with emotion.

Teams around the league have paid tribute to the “Mamba” with eight and 24-second violations to start games, while Byrant’s signature Nike shoes have been spotted across NBA arenas.

Since his passing, members from the Warriors like Draymond Green, D’Angelo Russell and Stephen Curry have all weighed in on social media on Bryant’s legacy.

On the court, for the Golden State Warriors, their first games since the loss of Bryant’s was scheduled in his hometown of Philadelphia. Both the Warriors and 76ers communicated before the game tipped off on how they would honor the Lower Merion High School product.

On gameday, members of the 76ers trotted onto the court during warmups wearing special Bryant editions of Philadelphia’s home jersey. Before the game, Philadelphia’s in house scoreboard played a video honoring Bryant.

When the game tipped off, the 76ers started with an 8-second violation, not advancing the ball across halfcourt. When the Warriors took possession, Green placed the ball outside the three-point line and waited until the shot clock hit 24-seconds, triggering another violation.

Players from each team looked clearly emotional as “Kobe” chants took over the Wells Fargo Center during the violations.

Philadelphia is the start of Golden State’s five-game east coast road trip. When the team returns to San Francisco, they will host Bryant’s former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, at the Chase Center on February 8.

Justin Thomas to sport Kobe-themed wedges at Phoenix Open

Justin Thomas found a way to honor of one of the greatest athletes of all time, Kobe Bryant, after the 41-year-old’s tragic death on Sunday.

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Kobe Bryant’s influence expanded far beyond the hardwood.

Sports figures and fans across the globe mourned Bryant’s death Sunday after a helicopter crash claimed his life, the life of his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others who knew the Bryant family.

Justin Thomas, one of many golfers to mourn Bryant’s death on social media, found a way to honor Bryant, 41, at this week’s Waste Management Phoenix Open.

In a photo posted by the PGA Tour, Thomas displays Titleist wedges he will use at TPC Scottsdale which are engraved with phrases to honor the NBA legend. His four wedges have been stamped with the words, “Mamba mentality,” “Black Mamba,” “Kobe Bean Bryant” and “81 points” in reference to the former Los Angeles Lakers’ famous game in 2006 against the Toronto Raptors in which he scored 81 points — the second-highest total in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game in 1962.

Thomas, who has favorable odds to win this week’s Phoenix Open, posted about Kobe’s influence on Twitter after news of Bryant’s death was confirmed Sunday.

“I have no words other than RIP to somebody I loved and wanted to be like when it was game time,” Thomas wrote.

Bryant’s 81-point game is only one of the remarkable accomplishments of his 20-year career with the Lakers. Bryant, who retired in 2016, ranks fourth on the NBA’s all-time leading scorers list with 33,643 points, a feat passed by LeBron James Saturday evening. He was also named NBA MVP after the 2007-08 season, won five NBA Championships and claimed back-to-back NBA Finals MVP Awards in 2009 and 2010.

Bryant is survived by his wife, Vanessa, and three daughters.

Thomas tees off his first round at the Waste Management Phoenix Open Thursday at 10 a.m. ET from the 10th tee alongside Jon Rahm and Hideki Matsuyama.

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Report: Warriors and 76ers communicating on ways to honor Kobe Bryant

The Philadelphia 76ers and the Golden State Warriors have been in communication on ways to honor Kobe Bryant in his hometown following his tragic death.

Since the sudden death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant in a fatal helicopter accident that included his daughter Gianna and seven others, there has been a tidal wave of emotion pouring over the NBA. Games scheduled have featured honors like chants of “Kobe” and 24-second violations as tributes to the late NBA star.

For the Golden State Warriors, the team has yet to play a game since the passing of Bryant. However, when the team does take the court for the first time since the tragedy, it will take place in Bryant’s hometown.

On Tuesday, the Warriors will start a five-game road trip in Philadelphia against the 76ers, the first home game in Bryant’s hometown since his death.

According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, both teams have already been in contact regarding ways to honor Bryant during the game.

Off the court, members from both the 76ers and Warriors have paid their respect to Bryant via social media. Draymond Green, D’Angelo Russell and Stephen Curry have all posted messages regarding the loss of Bryant.

View this post on Instagram

I’ve waited and waited with hope that this bad dream would end and I never had to make this post. Hoping that someone would report that it wasn’t You in that helicopter like they initially thought. I went to sleep on the couch yesterday while they talked about you on TV. I thought I’d wake up and the story would be gone. Only to wake up to more details of you being GONE. Kobe, I thank you for being the person that you were, the big brother that you were. Not only to myself but to many others. You left a legacy that’ll NEVER be forgotten. We lost one of the good guys. I’ll continue to pray for the Bryant family as well as all the other families affected by this horrific tragedy! RIP BEAN #GoneTooSoon

A post shared by Draymond Green (@money23green) on

For the 76ers, Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and Ben Simmons have each checked in with their tributes to the Philadelphia native. Tuesday, both teams will get their chance to honor Bryant on the court.

Bryant, a product of Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia and a noted Philadelphia Eagles fan, will rightfully have a significant presence during the Warriors tilt against 76ers, on Tuesday.

After Golden State ends their five-game road swing, they’ll host Bryant’s former team, the Los Angeles Lakers in the Warriors’ first game back in the Bay Area.

D’Angelo Russell reacts to loss of former Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant

D’Angelo Russell uses Instagram to react to the loss of his former teammate Kobe Bryant.

Long before D’Angelo Russell suited up in his No. 0 Golden State Warriors white and blue jersey, the Ohio State product was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft. Los Angeles legend, Kobe Bryant was one of Russell’s first teammates in the NBA.

Before Bryant’s retirement from the NBA, he spent one season alongside the newest Golden State Warrior, Russell. Russell, with only one year of college basketball experience, was playing alongside a five-time champion in his first season in the NBA.

Earlier in the 2019-20 season, Russell credited Bryant’s lessons from his rookie season after closing out a much-needed win for Golden State against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Bryant tragically passed away in a fatal helicopter crash alongside his daughter Gianna, and seven others in Calabasas, California, on Sunday.

One day later, the devastating news is still rippling through NBA circles. Bryant’s impact has been felt across the league with games starting with 24-second violations to honor the fallen All-Star.

Players around the world have weighed in on the loss of Bryant, with several Warriors players, including both Draymond Green and Stephen Curry each paying tribute.

In response to the devastating news of Bryant’s death, Russell went to Instagram to pay tribute to his fallen teammate.

Watched you closer than ever man, learned more than I could in such a short time, asked you more questions than ever. True Role ModeI. I find myself hearing every bit of advice you ever gave me. #legendary #mambamentality

The entire Golden State team will be able to honor Bryant on Tuesday when they travel to Philadelphia for their first game since his death. Following Golden State’s five-game road trip, the Warriors will host Bryant’s team in their first game back in the Bay Area on February 8.

Draymond Green posts emotional message following loss of Kobe Bryant

Draymond Green went to Instagram to post a heartfelt message in regards to the loss of NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, along with seven others, tragically passed away in a fatal helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on Sunday morning. The loss of a basketball icon like Bryant has caused an outpour of emotion from players across the league.

The teams in action on Sunday, following Bryant’s death, honored him by taking a 24-second violation to start the game as chants of “Kobe” echoed through arenas across the NBA.

The home of the Warriors, the Chase Center in San Francisco, doesn’t host a game until February 8. In the meantime, Golden State’s home dedicated its outdoor video monitor in honor of Bryant.

Players not in game-action went to social media to pay their respect to Bryant and his family. Stephen Curry, along with several other current members of the Golden State Warriors, chimed in with tributes to the late legend.

Draymond Green, who used Twitter to react to the news of Bryant’s death initially, later went on Instagram to send a heartfelt message about the five-time NBA champion.

On Monday morning, Green used Instagram to share his thoughts on the passing of a “big brother” figure.

View this post on Instagram

I’ve waited and waited with hope that this bad dream would end and I never had to make this post. Hoping that someone would report that it wasn’t You in that helicopter like they initially thought. I went to sleep on the couch yesterday while they talked about you on TV. I thought I’d wake up and the story would be gone. Only to wake up to more details of you being GONE. Kobe, I thank you for being the person that you were, the big brother that you were. Not only to myself but to many others. You left a legacy that’ll NEVER be forgotten. We lost one of the good guys. I’ll continue to pray for the Bryant family as well as all the other families affected by this horrific tragedy! RIP BEAN #GoneTooSoon

A post shared by Draymond Green (@money23green) on

Golden State will start a five-game road swing on Tuesday in Bryant’s hometown of Philadelphia before returning to the Bay Area with the chance to honor him against his former club. The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Warriors on February 8 in their first game back in San Francisco following the road trip.