The Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night paid tribute to Kobe and Gianna Bryant, as well as the seven other victims of Sunday’s helicopter crash, prior to their game against the Detroit Pistons.
The Nets posted the names of all nine victims on their Jumbotron in the arena. They also left open the courtside seats in which Kobe and Gianna sat for a December game they attended at Barclays Center between the Nets and Hawks and added flowers to them.
The Nets paid tribute to Kobe, Gianna and the 7 other victims.
They also put flowers in the seats that Kobe and Gianna sat in during the Hawks-Nets game earlier this season. pic.twitter.com/dcoDQNcRA8
— ESPN (@espn) January 30, 2020
Fans chanted “Kobe!” after the tribute.
Fans in Brooklyn chanted "Kobe!" after a moment of silence was held in honor of the 9 victims. pic.twitter.com/ngPgw34ATg
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 30, 2020
Kyrie Irving was emotional after the tribute.
An emotional Kyrie Irving before tip.
(@NetsOnYES) pic.twitter.com/hipIuyiYqf
— Anthony Puccio (@APOOCH) January 30, 2020
Irving did not play in the Nets’ game on Sunday after learning the news about Kobe, who was a mentor to him. In the past, Bryant cited Irving as the “mentee” to whom he was closest.
Kobe Bryant was a mentor and close friend to Kyrie Irving, who didn't play tonight against the Knicks following Bryant's death. Kobe shared a great story about the close bond they had. pic.twitter.com/x6uR6aPTDd
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) January 26, 2020
