The Houston Rockets fell to 28-17 with a 117-110 loss (box score) on Sunday in Denver, but the postgame reactions were primarily about the shocking death of former Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant.
News of Bryant’s death in a helicopter crash, along with everyone else on board, leaked shortly before the Rockets and Nuggets tipped off early Sunday afternoon. Bryant was 41 years old. According to USA TODAY Sports, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, also died in the tragic crash.
Players on both teams were visibly distraught before the game, though it did go on as scheduled. The Nuggets held a moment of silence to recognize Bryant’s memory, with a “Kobe” chant breaking out from fans.
Several players, including P.J. Tucker, wore sneakers during the game with hand-written messages inscribed on them to honor Bryant.
The news of Bryant’s passing broke after pregame media availabilities had closed, so the team’s first public comments occurred postgame.
Several players, including Tyson Chandler and former MVPs James Harden and Russell Westbrook, grew up near Los Angeles and developed extensive relationships with Bryant over the years. Others met Bryant over their time in the NBA, where he’s long been an iconic figure.
During his 20-year career with the Lakers, which concluded in 2016, Bryant was a five-time NBA champion; a two-time MVP and scoring champion; and an 18-time All-Star, among his numerous accolades.
Here’s a sampling of the postgame reaction from the Rockets.
