Kobe Bryant honored with intentional 24-second violations to start Celtics-Pelicans
Kobe Bryant will be honored at the start of Sunday’s game between the Celtics and Pelicans with intentional 24-second violations by each team.
PHOENIX, AZ – FEBRUARY 19: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers adjusts his jersey during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on February 19, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 102-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesBy Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Update: The Celtics and Pelicans officially honored Kobe Bryant to start Sunday's game against the Pelicans. You can watch the teams' intentional 24-second violations to pay tribute to Bryant's No. 24 in the video above via the team.
The show will go on in the NBA on Sunday, as the NBA continues on with its slate of games as the basketball world mourns the sudden and devastating loss of Kobe Bryant. But Sunday's contests were not without tributes to the former five-time NBA champion, who died Sunday in a helicopter accident at age 41.
Watch below (via Sportsnet) to see how the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors honored Bryant, who wore No. 24 for the final 10 seasons of his 20-year career. Each team took an intentional 24-second shot clock violation to start the game, as the crowd chanted Bryant's name.
According to 98.5 The Sports Hub's Jon Wallach, who is doing play-by-play for Sunday's Celtics game against the New Orleans Pelicans, both teams also intend to take intentional 24-second violations to start the game at Smoothie King Center.
Bryant played 31 career regular season games against the Celtics, averaging 25.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. He won NBA Finals MVP in 2010 after the Lakers defeated the Celtics in seven games.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
