| |
|
NBA -- Cavs fans shower Kobe with love
By Carl Tomakin
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 12 Feb 2016
CLEVELAND -- It was a special night in Cleveland, Ohio and everyone was expecting magic to happen. Not quite that "Magic" from the showtime Lakers but one from a reptilian creature, so deadly, so cold it can stop anyone dead on its tracks.
The Black Mamba was inside The Q (Quicken Loans Arena, home of the Cleveland Cavaliers) and it was as if the production started in nature with a blisteringly cold 17 degrees Fahrenheit with ghastly winds- yes, this was going to be a truly memorable evening.
A touching tribute video was on the big screen, people were cheering "KO-BE" then the hot air blasts from the big horn. Game time.
Kyrie Irving led all scorers with 35 points, LeBron James added 29 as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Lakers in a 120-111 win. Kobe scored 17 points on 5 of 16 shots but one was a memorable step back jumper over LeBron on the 3 plus a foul.
Bryant was visibly pleased with the Cleveland crowd: "I really appreciate the amount of respect the fans gave me here tonight." He also said some very nice things about LeBron: "I think his greatest strength is his ability to communicate and instill confidence in others." And on Kyrie: "He has a killer mentality, can shoot the long ball, his midrange game is excellent and he can finish at the rim."
He was received with grace and he left Cleveland with the love and respect of everyone watching. We will miss you, Kobe. Thank you for all the wonderful games you played for us.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carl Tomakin.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
The Second Rise of Jesse Espinas
By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 04 Jul 2025Boxing Golden Age Comparison - Philippines and Japan
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Fri, 04 Jul 2025Kittipong, Magdalena, Kim, Kritiphak Claim Wins in Brico Santig's Show in Bangkok
By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 04 Jul 2025Kremlev, Crawford, Fury Launch IBA's Golden Era of International Boxing
, Fri, 04 Jul 2025International Master Angelo Young stays on course for GM norm
By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 04 Jul 2025Robby Gonzales and Yoseline Perez Progress to Semifinals at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
, Fri, 04 Jul 2025Fireworks Ahead: Magsayo vs Mata in Prelims of Pacquiao vs Barrios
By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 03 Jul 2025Japan's Boxing Golden Age Remains Limited to the Lower Weights
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Thu, 03 Jul 2025No issues with fight ref
By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 03 Jul 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: Grand Muay Thai event in Verona
By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Thu, 03 Jul 2025Morelle McCane and Rene Camacho Advance to Quarterfinals of World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
, Thu, 03 Jul 20253 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
, Thu, 03 Jul 2025ESPN Original Series The Fight Life Returns for Season Two on July 7
, Wed, 02 Jul 2025TOP-RATED LIGHTWEIGHT KO ARTIST ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI RETURNS
, Wed, 02 Jul 2025Amazing Muay Thai WBC Festival 2025
, Wed, 02 Jul 2025Borromeo Leads Winners of the Philippine Speedcubing Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 02 Jul 2025What If Pacquiao Defeats Barrios?
By Ralph Rimpell, , Wed, 02 Jul 2025Team USA Earns Three Wins on Day Two of World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
, Wed, 02 Jul 2025Women's Boxing Champion Signs with Combate Global, Still Aims For WBC Absolute Gold
, Wed, 02 Jul 2025Sanman Boxing Presents Hard-Hitting Prospect Abubakar Yanon Set to Challenge for Philippine Boxing Federation Flyweight Title in Malungon, Sarangani Province
, Wed, 02 Jul 2025Boxing Returns to Tropicana Atlantic City, July 25
, Wed, 02 Jul 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 30 June 2025: Zurdo Outpoints Dorticos, Keeps WBA/WBO Cruiser Titles; Mbilli Stops Sulecki in 1; Wins by Kuroki, Wilder and Jake Paul
By Eric Armit, , Tue, 01 Jul 2025IIEE Titans secured Finals in BPBL, IIEE Chessmasters retain on top level in Bundesliga
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 01 Jul 2025MARIO BARRIOS LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
, Tue, 01 Jul 2025CATTERALL AND EUBANK LAY THEIR 'CARDS ON THE TABLE' AHEAD OF MANCHESTER SHOWDOWN
, Tue, 01 Jul 2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
