- The Washington Times - Sunday, January 26, 2020

Kobe Bryant switched jersey numbers from No. 8 to No. 24 before the 2006-07 NBA season and wore the latter for the remainder of his career.

On Sunday, hours after Bryant and his daughter died in a helicopter crash, two NBA teams chose to honor Bryant’s legacy with deliberate 24-second violations.

The Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs began their Sunday afternoon game by each taking a shot-clock violation on their opening possessions — letting the clock tick down from 24 to zero.

Fans in San Antonio recognized the move as a way to honor No. 24 and gave a standing ovation, with some chanting Kobe’s name.

The Spurs-Raptors game was one of eight NBA games on the slate Sunday. Many — including the Washington Wizards’ game at the Atlanta Hawks — are expected to hold a moment of silence for Bryant, his family and the other victims of the helicopter crash before the games tip off.

• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.

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