Raptors, Spurs begin game in unique tribute to Kobe

A tribute is shown on the video board during a moment of silence acknowledging Kobe Bryant before the game between the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors at the AT&T Center. Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Raptors and the San Antonio Spurs paid tribute to NBA icon Kobe Bryant, who passed away hours before the tipoff of their game on Sunday.

The two teams let the 24-second shot clock expire in each of their first possessions of the game in honor of the retired Los Angeles Lakers guard, who wore the number 24 jersey.

Remarkable moment to start the Raptors-Spurs game. pic.twitter.com/thmt9ZU1Ra

— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) January 26, 2020

The Spurs also flashed a video tribute for Bryant before tipoff.

Bryant, who won five NBA championships with the Lakers, was killed in a helicopter crash in California on Sunday morning, officials said. He was 41. —JST, GMA News