Clint Capela, Rockets Pay Tribute to Kobe Bryant on Social Media

Clint Capela, Austin Rivers and Danuel House were among the Rockets to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant on social media on Sunday.

The Rockets discussed their love and admiration for Kobe Bryant following a loss in Denver on Sunday, and Houston continued its outpouring for the Lakers' legend on social media. 

Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, were among the nine who died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif. on Sunday morning. Bryant was 41. 

Houston center Clint Capela played against Kobe Bryant four times, with each matchup coming in Bryant's final season in 2015-16. Capela posted a series of photos with Bryant on Instagram on Sunday, referring to Bryant as his generations "GOAT."

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Guard Austin Rivers was among the most emotional Rockets who discussed Bryant's death postgame. Rivers continued his outpouring of love for Bryant on Twitter and Instagram on Sunday. 

"You had a competitive spirit that was unmatched and unseen. You changed the game of basketball for the better and were the true definition of iconic." Rivers wrote. "Getting to play against you early in my career was some of the most memorable moments for me. ...I will make sure my kids know about you when they get older."

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Hurting badly. True role model! Not just for being a goat, or being one of the most Competitive athletes to ever compete. Not just because you were iconic in every form and defined excellence in so many ways...but because of how great of a father you were as well. True Icon. KB24

— Austin Rivers (@AustinRivers25) January 26, 2020

Eric Gordon was additionally thoughtful on Sunday, both in his postgame comments and on social media.

"We have lost a legend, a brother and an icon today and a beautiful young life in Gianna," Gordon wrote. "I am beyond speechless and heartbroken. May God’s love and healing surround Kobe’s family now and in the difficult days to come."

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Rockets forwards Gerald Green and Danuel House also paid tribute to Bryant on Sunday.

"Praying for the Bryant’s and the other families that was impacted by today," House wrote. "Thank you for everything [GOAT]."

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A post shared by Gerald Green (@g.green14)

The Rockets and Nuggets observed a moment of silence for Bryant and the crash victims before Sunday's tilt at the Pepsi Center. Plans to honor Bryant when the Rockets return home on Jan. 31 have not been announced.