Emotional night; Young leads Hawks to victory over Wizards

It was a tough day and even tougher night as grief stricken basketball fans across the world absorb the tragic news of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among nine others who was killed in a helicopter crash en route to a basketball tournament.

Prior to the game, the Atlanta Hawks held a moment of silence for Kobe Bryant. While Bryant’s picture was displayed on the giant Jumbotron, chants of Kobe filled the arena as fans stood to their feet to honor the fallen NBA Icon.

https://twitter.com/atlhawks/status/1221604279854817282?s=21

Trae Young open the game with wearing the #8 jersey in honor of Bryant.

No. 8 pic.twitter.com/i7YyFdCydA

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 27, 2020

The Hawks and Wizards took 8 seconds and 24 seconds violations to honor Kobe Bryant.

The Hawks and @washwizards took 8 second and 24 second violations to honor Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/ty7rZgyjFn

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 26, 2020

It was obvious that the players and coaches was effected by the tragic news. In the end Young mustered up the strength to lead the Hawks to a 153-133 victory over Washington.

Final from Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/pU1HoQ65EM

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 27, 2020

Young notched his 16th double-double of the season with 45 points (13-24 FGs, 6-11 3FGs), 14 assists, and 6 rebounds.

Young also became the first player to have a 45-point double-double with less than 25 field goal attempts since Bryant did so on Dec. 17, 2006.

Trae Young is the first player to have a 45-point double-double with under 25 field goal attempts against the Washington Wizards, since Kobe Bryant on December 17, 2006. pic.twitter.com/xHFewuzb7Z

— Kevin Keneely (@KevinKeneely1) January 27, 2020

At the post game presser Lloyd Pierce, Vince Carter and Trae Young spoke about Bryant.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B70BmZ8pSf1/?igshid=107rctp0ml2cn

Wizards head coach Doc Rivers became emotional speaking about Bryant after the game.

“He had that DNA that very few athletes can ever have.”

Doc Rivers on Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/kSS7sjKaI1

— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 26, 2020

Other NBA teams paid homage to Bryant by taking 8 and 24 seconds clock violation including the Clippers and Magic, Grizzlies and Suns, Celtics and Pelicans, Nets and Knicks.

Dallas Maverick owner Mark Cuban announced that no other Mavs player will ever wear the No. 24 again, in honor of Bryant.

Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban issued the following statement on the passing of Kobe and Gianna Bryant. pic.twitter.com/Ua41YrvTMZ

— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) January 27, 2020

The Hawks now (12-35) are heading on the road to face the Raptors. Before returning home on Jan 30., to matchup against the 76ers.

#truetoatlanta