In the wake of the tragic news of the passing of Kobe Bryant, the Pacers suited up to take on the Portland Trail Blazers in their final game of a five-game Western Conference road trip. In a touching tribute, a 24 second moment of silence was held before the game to honor the NBA legend. After winning the tip, Portland intentionally committed a 24-second shot clock violation, while the Pacers committed an 8-second backcourt violation – honoring both numbers worn by Bryant during his NBA career.
In an atmosphere that can only be described as somber, Indiana currently trails Portland, 66-56, at halftime at Moda Center.