New Orleans Pelicans play with heavy hearts on Sunday after the death of Kobe Bryant

Still reeling from the news of the death of Kobe Bryant hours earlier, the New Orleans Pelicans got a much-needed win on Sunday night in the Smoothie King Center.

News of the untimely death of Bryant, his daughter, and 7 others trickled in just hours before tip-off and it was obvious during player warm-ups that things were different, New Orleans Pelicans and Boston Celtics players both noticeably shaken.

The players for both teams seemed to be more subdued than other normal pregame shootarounds.

In the hours before the game tipped off, tributes to Bryant poured in on social media. From his friends and colleagues in the NBA to celebrities to children across the country, the shock over the death of the 41-year-old NBA legend was obvious.

The mood in the stands at the Smoothie King Center was unlike anything I’ve experienced in my 6 years as a season ticket holder. It was relatively quiet during warm-ups, even though the arena was mostly packed. Players went through their pregame routines as normal, but there was definitely something missing.

In the stands, there were sightings of the 8 and 24 jerseys in Lakers purple and gold. The New Orleans Pelicans’ players honored Kobe with tributes on their shoes.

Right before the national anthem, the New Orleans Pelicans asked the fans to observe a 24 second moment of silence. As the clock ticked down, the arena was as quiet as it’s ever been. The only sound was that of a baby crying. It fit the mood.

Both teams continued their tributes as Lonzo Ball dribbled out the 24-second clock to the loud cheers of the Smoothie King crowd. The Celtics did the same on their first possession as chants of “Kobe, Kobe” filled the area.

Tears could be seen on grown men and women in the stands, fathers could be heard telling young sons why they weren’t trying to score.

After the tributes, the players on both teams had a job to do. For some reason, I don’t think Bryant would have wanted it any different.

A hard-fought game by both teams saw the Pelicans avenge a 35 point loss just a few weeks ago in Boston with a 123-108 win in front of a nearly sold-out Smoothie King Center. The cheers were loud during the game and the Pelicans certainly seemed to feed off the energy of the crowd.

Although Kobe Bryant didn’t have strong ties to New Orleans other than the fact he played here with the Lakers, there was clearly an appreciation for him and his game from the fans and the players in the Crescent City.

However, the biggest tribute to his legacy was the fact that the players on both teams came out, competed and played to the best of their ability. It’s something I think Kobe Bryant would appreciate.