SAN ANTONIO – The highlight reel played endlessly as Kobe Bryant made countless shots. The Spurs then gushed endlessly about his greatness amid a rivalry that won 10 of the last 17 NBA championships.
“He’s obviously skilled, but his professionalism and being responsible enough to do that on a nightly basis has always astounded me,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “He’s the guy that is ready to put his foot on your throat and win at all costs every single night.”
Bryant fit that job description through 20 NBA seasons. The Spurs captured it all in a tribute video that lasted two minutes and 29 seconds.