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The Detroit Pistons pay tribute to Kobe Bryant’s legendary career

By Nicolas Henkel

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 27: The Detroit Pistons honor Kobe Bryant prior to a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons on January 27, 2020 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 27: The Detroit Pistons honor Kobe Bryant prior to a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons on January 27, 2020 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Pistons paid tribute to the devastating passing of Kobe Bryant, who was involved in a helicopter crash that claimed the lives of nine people, including Bryant.

24 seconds of silence that no one could have ever imagined happening. Basketball has lost one of its icons, one of its ambassadors, and one of its all-time greats. The NBA and its fans are suffering. Following the Detroit Pistons game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Pistons paid tribute to Kobe Bryant and his illustrious career.

Pistons fans have a special relationship with Bryant and his Lakers, having defeated them in the 2004 NBA Finals in what was considers one of the largest upsets in the sports history. There’s always been mutual respect on both sides.

Detroit took the floor wearing special editions of the Motor City uniforms they wore a season ago. Tonight, each player wore a different version of the jersey, some with the number 8, and some with 24. Every single one had “Bryant” on the back.

Emotions ran high before and even during the game. Reality still has yet to set in for the players, coaches, and fans alike.

The Cavs won the opening tip-off, and promptly took a 24 second shot clock violation. On the following possession, the Pistons accepted an 8 second violation. This moved Larry Nance Jr, a former teammate of Bryant to tears.

It’s safe to say that Nance wasn’t the only one who was moved by the gesture.

It’s difficult to come to terms with the fact that life has to go on. The world won’t stop spinning for something even as significant as this is. It almost feels disingenuous to focus on anything else, when in longevity this shows us the true fragility of life itself. Basketball takes a back seat to that.

So many people just lost their mentor, their hero, and their Superman. For some, they lost a father and a friend.

The Pistons did a wonderful job paying tribute to someone who was once one of their fiercest competitors. Someone who has gone down as one of the best to ever play the game.

It’s important not only keep Bryant’s family in mind, but also the families of the other victims. This is a devastating blow that will take time to heal.

Next. Kobe Bryant's top 10 games against the Detroit Pistons. dark

We hope you rest in peace, Kobe Bryant. No words will ever be able to describe how badly you’ll be missed.

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