Kobe Bryant honored by Raptors and Spurs as they let 24-second shot clock run out at the start of their game

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Kobe Bryant honored by Raptors and Spurs as they let 24-second shot clock run out at the start of their game
Kobe Bryant tribute Spurs Raptors

Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

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Chants of "Kobe! Kobe! Kobe!" rang through the arena as the Spurs and Raptors honored the Lakers legend.

  • The NBA world mourned the loss of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant on Sunday.
  • Bryant died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. His 13-year-old daughter Gianna also died in the crash.
  • The Raptors and Spurs honored Bryant's passing on Sunday, letting the 24-second shot clock run out to start their game after the opening tip.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The NBA world was shocked on Sunday by the death of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, who passed away in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.

After initial speculation that the league might cancel the games set to tip-off on Sunday, the NBA moved forward with things as scheduled. With players and fans still with heavy hearts in the wake of the sudden, tragic news, tributes to Bryant poured in from across the world.

After winning the opening tip of Sunday's game against the San Antonio Spurs, the Toronto Raptors let the 24-second shot clock run out to start the game in honor of Kobe, who wore no. 24 through the latter half of his career with the Lakers.

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As the clock ran out, fans in San Antonio chanted Kobe's name.

When the Spurs took possession after the shot-clock violation, they did the same.

Across the league, other teams mourned Bryant's loss in similar tributes.

Bryant's tragic death comes just a day after he had been passed by LeBron James for third place on the NBA all-time scoring list.

"Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames," Bryant wrote on Twitter, in congratulations to James' accomplishment. "Much respect my brother #33644."

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He was 41 years old.

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