Tuesday night’s Golden State Warriors game was their first contest since news broke that the icon Kobe Bryant had passed away along with his daughter and seven others in a helicopter crash. The Dubs lost 115-104, but the lasting impressions came before, during, and after the game as the players mourned the tragedy.
Sixers center Joel Embiid donned the #24 jersey in honor of Bryant. That number was previously retired in honor of Sixers legend Bobby Jones, and Jones acquiesced when Embiid requested to wear it.
The game itself was a fun battle that ultimately (and predictably) ended with the Warriors succumbing to the superior firepower of the title contending Sixers.
Draymond Green tallied 9 points, 9 rebounds, 12 assists, and 3 blocks. He flew around the floor, doing his damndest to plug the leaks on the defensive end. It was an effort worthy of the Mamba Mentality, and Green spoke at length on Bryant after the game.
D’Angelo Russell carried the scoring load (as usual) with 28 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. As a former teammate of Bryant’s, his insight on his former mentor was particularly poignant.
Golden State Warriors guard Alec Burks has worn jersey No. 8, but will switch to No. 20 to honor the tragic death of Kobe Bryant who wore No. 8 and No. 24, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
Chris Haynes
@ChrisBHaynes
Golden State Warriors guard Alec Burks has worn jersey No. 8, but will switch to No. 20 to honor the tragic death of Kobe Bryant who wore No. 8 and No. 24, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.