Remembering Kobe Bryant: ‘The game will never be the same’
One year after Kobe Bryant, his teenage daughter Gianna and seven others died in a helicopter crash in Southern California, fans and the sports world still feel the loss of the NBA legend.
Forever in our hearts 💛💜 pic.twitter.com/tixJEscHS8
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 26, 2021
For the moments, lessons, and memories I’ll have forever.. truly thankful 🖤 pic.twitter.com/z5dZ52RfNS
— Larry Nance Jr (@Larrydn22) January 26, 2021
The game will never be the same…. RIP 🐐🖤🐍 pic.twitter.com/T4AISokWaB
— Andre Drummond (@AndreDrummond) January 26, 2021
Still doesn’t seem real. RIP to those lost. MAMBA FOREVER!!! 🐍🖤 @ Kobe Bryant’s Legacy 8/24 https://t.co/UlGZxqh50W
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) January 26, 2021
Bryant played his final game in Cleveland in 2016. It included a chant from the crowd and a number of special moments.
“Ko-be, Ko-be, Ko-be”
Embraces, a huge response from the crowd & meaningful words for Cleveland fans from Mamba.
Looking back at a few memorable moments from Kobe’s final game in Cleveland in 2016 – with another legend we lost too soon on the call. pic.twitter.com/0z2yN1ur9e
— FOX Sports Cleveland (@FOXSportsCLE) January 26, 2021
In the aftermath of Bryant’s death last year, Cavs players reflected on what he meant to them and the game of basketball.
“If you grew up in the era of watching Kobe, you idolized him. I don’t care who you were.”
– @KevinLove reflects on the impact of Kobe Bryant#KobeRIP pic.twitter.com/VWT31MPdXb
— FOX Sports Cleveland (@FOXSportsCLE) January 27, 2020
.@Larrydn22 shares a memory of a message of support he received from Kobe Bryant after Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals. #KobeRIP pic.twitter.com/ZZCpVn2kq9
— FOX Sports Cleveland (@FOXSportsCLE) January 27, 2020
When the Cavs played their first game following Bryant’s death against the Pistons, there were tributes both in Cleveland and Detroit.
Thank you for everything, Kobe. You will be dearly missed. pic.twitter.com/q8yVHwHYBN
— FOX Sports Cleveland (@FOXSportsCLE) January 28, 2020
The @cavs and Pistons honor the life of Kobe Bryant and those lost in yesterday’s tragedy with 24 seconds of silence before the game. pic.twitter.com/i2MG7ONqZ2
— FOX Sports Cleveland (@FOXSportsCLE) January 28, 2020
Larry Nance Jr., who was teammates with Bryant in Los Angeles, was emotional on the bench following the tribute.
We ❤️ you @Larrydn22 #RIPMamba pic.twitter.com/M4xMaRng51
— FOX Sports Cleveland (@FOXSportsCLE) January 28, 2020
In similar fashion as other teams around the NBA, Cavs and Pistons players also honored Kobe as they took the court for the opening tip-off.
The Cavaliers and Pistons honor Kobe Bryant with a 24 second shot clock violation and 8 second backcourt violation. Rest in peace, Kobe. pic.twitter.com/wQfilZ5nXs
— FOX Sports Cleveland (@FOXSportsCLE) January 28, 2020
