Nuggets fans chant ‘Kobe’ after a pregame moment of silence for Kobe Bryant

The entire sports world was shocked on Sunday by the news that Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif — just outside Malibu. In all, five people died in the crash. Bryant was 41 years old.

Just as that news spread, the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets were taking the floor for pregame shootaround. Austin Rivers was visibly emotional just minutes before tipoff. Other NBA players and athletes reacted to the tragic news on social media.

Ahead of the game, which went on as scheduled, the Nuggets held a moment of silence for Bryant. The extended moment of silence was capped off by Nuggets fans chanting Kobe’s name at the Pepsi Center.

Pepsi Center holding a moment of silence for Bryant. A few fans chanting “Kobe!” This still doesn’t feel real pic.twitter.com/5MkpgmrDOx

— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) January 26, 2020

A moment of silence for Kobe Bryant before tipoff of the Nuggets and Rockets game in Denver. (Courtesy: @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/OPp746Kx91

— Jonathan Deutsch (@JonathanD_TV) January 26, 2020

Nuggets hold extended moment of silence for Kobe Bryant.

Spontaneously, a “Ko-be” chant breaks out. pic.twitter.com/Rw9gLmfO9L

— Mike Singer (@msinger) January 26, 2020

As of Sunday afternoon, the NBA hadn’t announced any plans to postpone games. The Lakers aren’t scheduled to play again until Tuesday.

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