As news spread of Kobe Bryant’s tragic death in a helicopter crash, the NBA was faced with a decision on how to handle Sunday’s slate of games. The Rockets and Nuggets, specifically, were due to tip off about an hour after Bryant’s death was first reported.
The league ultimately decided to have the Nuggets and Rockets to go on as scheduled, but it wasn’t an easy task for any player involved.
In the lead-up to the game, NBATV showed a tearful Austin Rivers take part in pregame shootaround — there was also a moment of silence. Once the game was underway, Tyson Chandler was visibly emotional on the Rockets’ bench over the loss of his former Team USA teammate.
Tyson Chandler clearly heartbroken. Not sure how these players are able to focus on the game. #Rockets pic.twitter.com/QlO0ByjsEI
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) January 26, 2020
Chandler played alongside Kobe during the 2012 Olympic Games in London and the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship, winning gold with Team USA.
P.J. Tucker also paid tribute to Kobe with a message on his sneakers.
P.J. Tucker showing love to Kobe Bryant on his Kobe 7s today. Mamba Forever.
📸: @Rockets_Insider pic.twitter.com/y9Z5mQyQl3— Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) January 26, 2020
You can read more from USA TODAY Sports.
[jwplayer utcKtuZQ-q2aasYxh]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]