Kobe Bryant’s final game of his career was against the Utah Jazz. But there were plenty of interesting moments from his final game in Utah, too.
Bryant, who died last Sunday in a helicopter crash, has left a tremendous hole in the NBA and pop culture world. Shockwaves have reverberated throughout various communities as people reflect on Bryant.
Final game: During his final game in Utah, Bryant received a special tribute video, which showed moments of Bryant playing against the Jazz. Fans explained how much they joined Bryant as well, according to a Deseret News report from the time.
- Bryant: “(It was) a little nostalgic. I remember those moments. I remember those games. I remember walking into this building and feeling the intensity in the air — feeling the pressure of the playoffs. I remember it like it was yesterday.”
After the video, Bryant hugged Utah Jazz owner Gail Miller. KSL.com reporter Carter Williams tweeted a video at the time of Bryant hugging Gail Miller after he was introduced during the game.
- Bryant later called Jazz fans “passionate.”
- Bryant: “This building is special,” he said. “There’s so many memories just walking in. The bus pulling into the tunnel and getting out and walking these halls and obviously getting on the court, but just the entire environment — just so many memories.”
- Bryant: “For the fans here, I think it’s even more special because of the rivalry, because of the battles, because of the love-hate relationship between us both. At the end, it’s hard to say goodbye to that.”