Dear Phoenix Suns,
The passing of nine people on January 26, 2020, which included Kobe Bryant and his beautiful daughter Gianna, has rocked the NBA’s foundation to its core. The shock we have all felt, as fans, has been as unique as the individual navigating their emotions.
In response to these tragic events, numerous players and teams have chosen different ways to pay tribute to Kobe. Madison Square Garden lit their exterior lighting with purple and gold. Every team has taken an emotional 24-second shot clock violation to begin each game, followed by a corresponding 8-second backcourt violation by the opposition; an homage to Kobe’s 24 and 8 jersey numbers.