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Two Years Ago Today the Hawks Honored Kobe Bryant the Best Way Possible

The Hawks handled the tragedy the right way.

Pat Benson

© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

It's still hard to believe that Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven other important lives were lost two years ago today. What's even harder to believe is that the NBA did not cancel any games that day. Instead, Commissioner Adam Silver said the show must go on, and players across the league played with teary eyes and heavy hearts.

Everyone will always remember where they were when they heard the news. Atlantans will never forget the game against the Washington Wizards that night. So let's look back at the sights and sounds from January 26, 2020.

Trae Young Tweet

Just a few hours after the news broke, Trae Young posted this tweet. Young had known Kobe for years. More recently, Kobe's daughter, Gianna, had called Young her favorite player in the NBA. In fact, the two had attended two Hawks games earlier that season.

Lloyd Pierce

Former Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce was the first member of the organization to speak with the media. As he always did with delicate situations, Pierce handled it with class and dignity.

Jami Gertz, Tony Ressler

After Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce spoke with the media, co-owners Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler took to the podium. The two read a prepared statement that summed up what Bryant meant to the organization.

Trae Young Pregame

After seeing this video circulating online, I fully expected the game to get postponed. It's unfathomable that Trae Young was able to compete in an NBA game after this kind of emotional pain.

Trae Young Number 8 Jersey

When it was clear that the game would be played, the focus turned on honoring Bryant the best way possible. Instead of wearing his number 11 jersey, Trae Young wore a number 8 jersey to start the game.

Delays, Shot Clock Violations

Every team across the league opted for 8-second violations and 24-second shot clock violations. Again, a reference to the two numbers worn by Bryant during his legendary career.

Trae Young Buzzer Beater

This is where the story gets even more unreal. At the end of the first half, Trae Young hit a buzzer-beater. Young immediately pointed to the sky. There is no doubt that Kobe and Gianna were smiling in heaven.

Trae Young Press Conference

Not only did the Hawks win, but Trae Young scored 45 points on 24 shot attempts. In his first media availability following the tragedy, Young shared a personal story about his final conversation with Kobe.

Pregame Video / © Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Before tip-off, the Atlanta Hawks organization and State Farm Arena honored Kobe Bryant with a video tribute. Fans began chanting "KO-BE" throughout the pregame ceremony.

8-Second, 24-Second Violations / © Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Every single team in the league honored Kobe Bryant by taking 8-second violations and 24-second violations. Teams were more than happy to turn the ball over if it meant honoring the two jersey numbers worn by Bryant in his career.

Trae Young Shoes / © Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Before Trae Young had his signature shoe, he wore the Adidas N3XT L3V3L. Young wrote "KOBE" on the futuristic shoe before the game on January 26, 2020.

Vince Carter Birthday / © Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

January 26 is also Vince Carter's birthday. Before the game, Washington Wizard's guard Bradley Beal showed some love to the birthday boy.

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Published
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the Atlanta Hawks for Sports Illustrated's All Hawks. He has covered the NBA for several years and is the author of "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)".

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