NBA teams and players across the league honoured Kobe Bryant as games continued on as scheduled following the news of Bryant's shocking death in a helicopter crash earlier in the day.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, who trained with Bryant prior to the start of the season, began the game against the Washington Wizards wearing Bryant's No. 8 jersey. Young normally wears No. 11.
Trae Young is wearing 8 in honor of Kobe. pic.twitter.com/pgBYR2jGts
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 26, 2020
The first two possession of the game featured an 8-second violation by the Hawks and a 24-second violation of the Wizards in honour of Bryant who wore both numbers with the Los Angeles Lakers. Young put back on his No. 11 following the second tribute.
The @ATLHawks opened tonight's game with an 8-second backcourt violation and the @WashWizards took a 24-second shot clock violation to honor the two numbers Kobe Bryant wore during his NBA career. pic.twitter.com/aaiEz1Y0Yf
— FOX Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnFSSE) January 26, 2020
Before the game Young shared a long embrace with his mother following pre-game warm-ups.
Trae Young embraces with his Mom and wipes away tears after pre-game warmups. #Hawks #TrueToAtlanta #11Alive @11AliveSports pic.twitter.com/6tXToNrpda
— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) January 26, 2020
