'Just to honor him': Thunder, Mavericks pay tribute to Kobe Bryant as NBA grieves fallen star
Jenni Carlson: Kobe Bryant was this generation's Michael Jordan Watch: Thunder and Mavericks honor Kobe Bryant after opening tip Thunder falls to Mavericks in first game without Chris Paul Five takeaways from the Thunder's loss to the Mavericks
Dennis Schroder’s shoes glinted as he dribbled out the shot clock.
They were metallic. Golden, to be specific. Kobe EXT basketball shoes.
Schroder held the ball as the final seconds ticked off the clock. Twenty-four seconds in all. The horn sounded.
The Thunder and Mavericks followed the precedent set in Sunday’s games — played hours after Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash — and took an eight-second and a 24-second violation to honor Bryant at the beginning of the game. Eight and 24 were the two numbers he wore in his 20-season career with the Lakers.
“I’ll take that turnover, for sure, anytime,” Schroder said after the Thunder’s 107-97 loss to the Mavericks on Monday. “It's just to honor him for what he did for the game for basketball, for the NBA.”
Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven other people, also died in the crash.
The Thunder missed its chance to move up in the Western Conference standings. But Sunday’s tragedy put the game’s outcome into focus.
Basketball was Bryant’s passion, but when he retired, he embraced other passions: fatherhood, storytelling, advocacy.
There were tributes to Bryant throughout the night, from a moment of silence before the game, to the shoes players wore, to the Bryant jersey Shai Gilgeous-Alexander arrived at Chesapeake Energy Arena wearing.
Veteran point guard Chris Paul missed Monday’s game for personal reasons. It was just a game. So, Schroder started in his place for the first time this season.
The German international honored Bryant with a 24-second violation, a pair of gold Kobe sneakers and his play. Schroder finished the night with a team-leading 21 points. He also added seven rebounds and six assists.
The beginning of Schroder’s NBA career overlapped with Bryant’s last three seasons. But Bryant also had a global reach, even beyond his stardom.
“I have my basketball camp every summer for the past 10 years in Italy,” Danilo Gallinari said. “There’s some kids with my jersey, but there’s even more kids with his.”
Bryant spoke multiple languages, including Italian, fluently and was known to use phrases in his opponents’ native languages to get in their heads.
Even in retirement, Bryant surprised Mavericks star Luka Doncic by speaking in Slovenian from his courtside seats during a game he attended with Gianna earlier this season.
On Monday, Doncic led his team to victory with 29 points and 11 rebounds. And Schroder willed his into comeback spurts that fell short in the end.
The third quarter provided a perfect example.
Schroder assisted a Gilgeous-Alexander 3-pointer, scored on a backdoor cut, and drained a 3 of his own during an 11-0 run. OKC cut Dallas’s lead to five points. Then, three and a half minutes later, Schroder was tasked with guarding Doncic as he drove to the rim. Schroder contested the shot under the basket, grabbed the rebound and made a transition 3-pointer on the other end.
Despite several such pushed, the Mavericks held onto their lead through the final three quarters.
![<strong>Oklahoma City's Dennis Schroder, right, dribbles the ball before taking a 24-second violation to honor NBA legend Kobe Bryant. Bryant, who died Sunday in a helicopter crash, wore jersey No. 24 for part of his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]</strong>](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/large960_blur-d98d5ecf7d5f5670ea14ff980008227b.jpg)



![Oklahoma City's Dennis Schroder, right, dribbles the ball before taking a 24-second violation to honor NBA legend Kobe Bryant. Bryant, who died Sunday in a helicopter crash, wore jersey No. 24 for part of his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman] Photo - Oklahoma City's Dennis Schroder, right, dribbles the ball before taking a 24-second violation to honor NBA legend Kobe Bryant. Bryant, who died Sunday in a helicopter crash, wore jersey No. 24 for part of his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-d98d5ecf7d5f5670ea14ff980008227b.jpg)



















![Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant (24) runs back on defense after making a shot during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, April 11, 2016. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman] Photo - Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant (24) runs back on defense after making a shot during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, April 11, 2016. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-56fe3a0e82edc09227f6fe489979c21d.jpg)
![Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant (24) watches a special video for him before being introduced at an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, April 11, 2016. [Nate Billings/ The Oklahoman] Photo - Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant (24) watches a special video for him before being introduced at an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, April 11, 2016. [Nate Billings/ The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-2c4a0b7d8da6636303548e1ec6715094.jpg)

![Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant (35) runs back on defense after hitting a shot against Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant (24) during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, April 11, 2016. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman] Photo - Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant (35) runs back on defense after hitting a shot against Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant (24) during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, April 11, 2016. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-9560751b1cbf130839d3e879f314dc0a.jpg)
![Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant (24) hugs Oklahoma City's Serge Ibaka (9) after an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, April 11, 2016. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman] Photo - Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant (24) hugs Oklahoma City's Serge Ibaka (9) after an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, April 11, 2016. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-b20d84f0703ae4c8353c8aebec130640.jpg)
![Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant (24) talks to Oklahoma City's Serge Ibaka (9) after an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, April 11, 2016. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman] Photo - Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant (24) talks to Oklahoma City's Serge Ibaka (9) after an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, April 11, 2016. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-c33f8b40a84cd8458d702f2ff32d4931.jpg)




![From left, LA's Pau Gasol (16), LA's Kobe Bryant (24), Oklahoma City's Serge Ibaka (9) Oklahoma City's Steven Adams (12) and LA's Shawne Williams (3) try to grab a rebound during an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Friday, Dec. 13, 2013. OKC won, 122-97. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman] Photo - From left, LA's Pau Gasol (16), LA's Kobe Bryant (24), Oklahoma City's Serge Ibaka (9) Oklahoma City's Steven Adams (12) and LA's Shawne Williams (3) try to grab a rebound during an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Friday, Dec. 13, 2013. OKC won, 122-97. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-e60d8f286e4fd11ebd467ef052ae3331.jpg)


![LA's Kobe Bryant (24) shoots against Oklahoma City's Andre Roberson (21) during an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Friday, Dec. 13, 2013. OKC won, 122-97. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman] Photo - LA's Kobe Bryant (24) shoots against Oklahoma City's Andre Roberson (21) during an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Friday, Dec. 13, 2013. OKC won, 122-97. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-83f871b4b773fbf5842650995734edcc.jpg)

![Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant (24) loses the ball between Oklahoma City's Enes Kanter (11) and Dion Waiters (3) during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, April 11, 2016. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman Archives] Photo - Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant (24) loses the ball between Oklahoma City's Enes Kanter (11) and Dion Waiters (3) during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, April 11, 2016. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman Archives]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-0a9f1adb96aaa8792803378c3900589d.jpg)

![Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant (24) walks to say goodbye to Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant (35) after an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, April 11, 2016. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman Archives] Photo - Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant (24) walks to say goodbye to Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant (35) after an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, April 11, 2016. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman Archives]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-1773e72ad41a609d1d9a40d862870250.jpg)
![Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant (24) watches the teams warm up before the second half during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015. Oklahoma City won 118-78. Bryant did not play because of a sore right shoulder. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman] Photo - Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant (24) watches the teams warm up before the second half during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015. Oklahoma City won 118-78. Bryant did not play because of a sore right shoulder. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-47608872a6d2d843ffc6a434dc876c76.jpg)
![Kobe Bryant of the Lakers passes the ball between Oklahoma City's Nenad Krstic, left, Kevin Durant and Jeff Green during the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Ford Center,Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009. The Thunder lost 107-93.
[Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman Archives] Photo - Kobe Bryant of the Lakers passes the ball between Oklahoma City's Nenad Krstic, left, Kevin Durant and Jeff Green during the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Ford Center,Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009. The Thunder lost 107-93.
[Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman Archives]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-5e951e678175bd7699824085cff455a6.jpg)
![Oklahoma City's Thabo Sefolosha guards the Lakers' Kobe Bryant during the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Ford Center,Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009. [Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman Archives] Photo - Oklahoma City's Thabo Sefolosha guards the Lakers' Kobe Bryant during the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Ford Center,Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009. [Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman Archives]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-bf3c0ce54dadd752815e4a27639b4f15.jpg)
![Oklahoma City's Thabo Sefolosha and Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant go after a loose ball in the second half of the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009. The Thunder lost to the Lakers [John Clanton/The Oklahoman Archives] Photo - Oklahoma City's Thabo Sefolosha and Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant go after a loose ball in the second half of the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009. The Thunder lost to the Lakers [John Clanton/The Oklahoman Archives]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-7473077390f9e4259e06b22eda855e93.jpg)
![Oklahoma City's Jeff Green (22) and Nick Collison (4) defend the Lakers's Kobe Bryant (24) as he shoots during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at the Ford Center, Tuesday, March 24, 2009, in Oklahoma City. [Sarah Phipps/The Oklahoman Archives] Photo - Oklahoma City's Jeff Green (22) and Nick Collison (4) defend the Lakers's Kobe Bryant (24) as he shoots during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at the Ford Center, Tuesday, March 24, 2009, in Oklahoma City. [Sarah Phipps/The Oklahoman Archives]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-22f62f3cfa1fea81ea8a0cb18b955278.jpg)
![Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant (35) loses the ball as he is fouled by Kobe Bryant (24) of Los Angeles in the third quarter during the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Friday, March 26, 2010. Oklahoma City won, 91-75. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman Archives] Photo - Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant (35) loses the ball as he is fouled by Kobe Bryant (24) of Los Angeles in the third quarter during the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Friday, March 26, 2010. Oklahoma City won, 91-75. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman Archives]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-02e5b507816fbe815767a5f42d4f8451.jpg)
![Oklahoma City Thunder center Etan Thomas and Russell Westbrook try to block the shot of Lakers guard Kobe Bryant during the Thunder - Lakers game November 3, 2009 in the Ford Center in Oklahoma City. [Hugh Scott/The Oklahoman Archives] Photo - Oklahoma City Thunder center Etan Thomas and Russell Westbrook try to block the shot of Lakers guard Kobe Bryant during the Thunder - Lakers game November 3, 2009 in the Ford Center in Oklahoma City. [Hugh Scott/The Oklahoman Archives]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-956a4dcdf24f91ec9a435feaed35c2e6.jpg)
![Oklahoma City's James Harden (13) reacts after being fouled by Kobe Bryant (24) of Los Angeles during the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Friday, March 26, 2010. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman] Photo - Oklahoma City's James Harden (13) reacts after being fouled by Kobe Bryant (24) of Los Angeles during the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Friday, March 26, 2010. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-4dbadeffd5a03bb483db335a153d3e35.jpg)
![Kobe Bryant (24) of Los Angeles shoots over James Harden (13) of Oklahoma City during the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Friday, March 26, 2010. Oklahoma City won, 91-75. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman] Photo - Kobe Bryant (24) of Los Angeles shoots over James Harden (13) of Oklahoma City during the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Friday, March 26, 2010. Oklahoma City won, 91-75. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-a0130d20e3c9ebabfbefd0b549edb0e2.jpg)
![Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant (35) tries to keep control of the ball next to Kobe Bryant (24) of Los Angeles during the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Friday, March 26, 2010. Oklahoma City won, 91-75. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman] Photo - Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant (35) tries to keep control of the ball next to Kobe Bryant (24) of Los Angeles during the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Friday, March 26, 2010. Oklahoma City won, 91-75. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-c8bacd3c9b62a63736dc64ca6c1da8bd.jpg)
![LA Lakers guard Kobe Bryant shoots over Thunder guard James Harden during the Thunder - Lakers game March 26, 2010 in the Ford Center in Oklahoma City. Bryant was 4 of 11 for 11 points in the game. [Hugh Scott/The Oklahoman] Photo - LA Lakers guard Kobe Bryant shoots over Thunder guard James Harden during the Thunder - Lakers game March 26, 2010 in the Ford Center in Oklahoma City. Bryant was 4 of 11 for 11 points in the game. [Hugh Scott/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-73bbe86a6b59a939b773791ae082ad6a.jpg)

![L.A.'s Pau Gasol (16), Kobe Bryant (24), Lamar Odom (7) and Ron Artest (37) stand on the court as Nick Collison (4) of Oklahoma City walks by late in the fourth quarter during the basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, April 22, 2010. Oklahoma City won, 101-96. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman] Photo - L.A.'s Pau Gasol (16), Kobe Bryant (24), Lamar Odom (7) and Ron Artest (37) stand on the court as Nick Collison (4) of Oklahoma City walks by late in the fourth quarter during the basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, April 22, 2010. Oklahoma City won, 101-96. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-003ac9debe0bcc722536ac8f9554b75e.jpg)


![Oklahoma City's James Harden (13) shoots past Kobe Bryant (24) of L.A. in the first half during the basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, April 22, 2010. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman] Photo - Oklahoma City's James Harden (13) shoots past Kobe Bryant (24) of L.A. in the first half during the basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, April 22, 2010. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-9c86fb77eb232925cf59dc17e25b5ba9.jpg)
![L.A.'s Kobe Bryant drives past Oklahoma City's Nick Collison, left, and Kevin Durant during the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in game six of the first round series at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Friday, April 30, 2010. [Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman] Photo - L.A.'s Kobe Bryant drives past Oklahoma City's Nick Collison, left, and Kevin Durant during the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in game six of the first round series at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Friday, April 30, 2010. [Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-bd666550d3a819287478609594b5b360.jpg)
![Oklahoma City fans celebrate after a basket by Kevin Durant (35) as L.A.'s Kobe Bryant (24) walks to the bench for a timeout in the fourth quarter during the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, April 22, 2010. Oklahoma City won, 101-96. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman Archives] Photo - Oklahoma City fans celebrate after a basket by Kevin Durant (35) as L.A.'s Kobe Bryant (24) walks to the bench for a timeout in the fourth quarter during the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, April 22, 2010. Oklahoma City won, 101-96. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman Archives]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-f3584a3cd36c2455d6d66503e09c07a0.jpg)
![L.A.'s Kobe Bryant (24) drives the ball away from Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant (35) during the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in game six of the first round series at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Friday, April 30, 2010. L.A. beat Oklahoam City 95-94, winning the series 4-2. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman] Photo - L.A.'s Kobe Bryant (24) drives the ball away from Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant (35) during the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in game six of the first round series at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Friday, April 30, 2010. L.A. beat Oklahoam City 95-94, winning the series 4-2. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-bfc512f330861d48d39ab82ffd797854.jpg)
![Oklahoma City's Dennis Schroder (17) dribbles the ball before taking a 24 second violation to honor NBA legend Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers on the second possession of an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Dallas took an eight second violation on the first possession. Bryant, who wore eight and later 24 in his career, died with eight others in a helicopter crash on Sunday. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Oklahoma City's Dennis Schroder (17) dribbles the ball before taking a 24 second violation to honor NBA legend Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers on the second possession of an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Dallas took an eight second violation on the first possession. Bryant, who wore eight and later 24 in his career, died with eight others in a helicopter crash on Sunday. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-8148c4599eb2d3d0aad92b409b5aef10.jpg)
![The Thunder pay tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers with a moment of silence before an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Bryant and eight others died in a helicopter crash on Sunday. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - The Thunder pay tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers with a moment of silence before an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Bryant and eight others died in a helicopter crash on Sunday. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-419d2c2e42aee4bfbf50f6a881173a01.jpg)
![Oklahoma City's Dennis Schroder (17) dribbles the ball before taking a 24 second violation to honor NBA legend Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers on the second possession of an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Dallas took an eight second violation on the first possession. Also shown on the court are Oklahoma City's Steven Adams (12) and Dallas' Seth Curry (30). Bryant, who wore eight and later 24 in his career, died with eight others in a helicopter crash on Sunday. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Oklahoma City's Dennis Schroder (17) dribbles the ball before taking a 24 second violation to honor NBA legend Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers on the second possession of an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Dallas took an eight second violation on the first possession. Also shown on the court are Oklahoma City's Steven Adams (12) and Dallas' Seth Curry (30). Bryant, who wore eight and later 24 in his career, died with eight others in a helicopter crash on Sunday. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-9014c306270a22098fa3797a35026131.jpg)
![Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives as Dallas' Seth Curry (30) defends in the second quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives as Dallas' Seth Curry (30) defends in the second quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-73c18599c760ec6177bf5e12406a7c9c.jpg)
![Oklahoma City's Dennis Schroder (17) passes away from Dallas' Tim Hardaway Jr. (11) in the second quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Oklahoma City's Dennis Schroder (17) passes away from Dallas' Tim Hardaway Jr. (11) in the second quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-162ac8c6ae7a6c6e18cf735f48db1a1d.jpg)
![Oklahoma City's Danilo Gallinari (8) passes away from Dallas' Dorian Finney-Smith (10), center, and Maxi Kleber (42) in the second quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Oklahoma City's Danilo Gallinari (8) passes away from Dallas' Dorian Finney-Smith (10), center, and Maxi Kleber (42) in the second quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-fd55a2939deb6b8500bd73cb91196bd5.jpg)
![Oklahoma City's Nerlens Noel (9) secures a rebound in front of Dallas' Kristaps Porzingis (6) in the first quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Oklahoma City's Nerlens Noel (9) secures a rebound in front of Dallas' Kristaps Porzingis (6) in the first quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-391f35cebdd78b38291fa54679388fa8.jpg)
![Dallas' Luka Doncic (77) drives against Oklahoma City's Dennis Schroder (17) in the third quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Dallas won 107-97. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Dallas' Luka Doncic (77) drives against Oklahoma City's Dennis Schroder (17) in the third quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Dallas won 107-97. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-2df70dbe1d1c33a5d06da05fb25921a6.jpg)
![Dallas' Maxi Kleber (42) blocks a shot by Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) in the first quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Dallas' Maxi Kleber (42) blocks a shot by Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) in the first quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-e663fbfa957798bee8806536b7bdbccd.jpg)
![Dallas' Kristaps Porzingis (6) collides with Oklahoma City's Dennis Schroder (17) as he passes near Oklahoma City's Mike Muscala (33) in the fourth quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Dallas won 107-97. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Dallas' Kristaps Porzingis (6) collides with Oklahoma City's Dennis Schroder (17) as he passes near Oklahoma City's Mike Muscala (33) in the fourth quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Dallas won 107-97. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-7831cfb4686052dca9d08fa97fd1136e.jpg)
![The Thunder pay tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers with a moment of silence before an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Bryant and eight others died in a helicopter crash on Sunday. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - The Thunder pay tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers with a moment of silence before an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Bryant and eight others died in a helicopter crash on Sunday. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-d01bee5bf7ce34b89e220b8ce22f8f43.jpg)
![Oklahoma City's Hamidou Diallo (6) shoots next to Dallas' Tim Hardaway Jr. (11) in the first quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Oklahoma City's Hamidou Diallo (6) shoots next to Dallas' Tim Hardaway Jr. (11) in the first quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-8bab91463f5dc8db162c8b828718457c.jpg)
![Oklahoma City's Hamidou Diallo (6) listens to coach Billy Donovan in the second quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Oklahoma City's Hamidou Diallo (6) listens to coach Billy Donovan in the second quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-c2ffca20bbe57b8ff6cb0e172ff481af.jpg)
![Oklahoma City's Deonte Burton (30) dunks the ball in the second quarter between Dallas' Jalen Brunson (13), left, and Delon Wright (55) during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Oklahoma City's Deonte Burton (30) dunks the ball in the second quarter between Dallas' Jalen Brunson (13), left, and Delon Wright (55) during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-369e538c49f8e12b6a11fdcb90e5d348.jpg)
![Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks to score past Dallas' Dorian Finney-Smith (10) during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks to score past Dallas' Dorian Finney-Smith (10) during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-8f169ae0a80e5aeb77f3e46ef488be20.jpg)
![Dallas takes an eight-second violation in the backcourt to honor NBA legend Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers on the first possession of an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Oklahoma City took a 24-second shot clock violation on the second possession. Bryant, who wore eight and later 24 in his career, died with eight others in a helicopter crash on Sunday. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Dallas takes an eight-second violation in the backcourt to honor NBA legend Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers on the first possession of an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Oklahoma City took a 24-second shot clock violation on the second possession. Bryant, who wore eight and later 24 in his career, died with eight others in a helicopter crash on Sunday. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-e5addaa916462b307df01b78353055aa.jpg)
![Oklahoma City's Dennis Schroder (17) holds the ball before taking a 24-second shot clock violation to honor NBA legend Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers on the second possession of an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Dallas took an eight-second backcourt violation on the first possession. Also shown on the court are Oklahoma City's Steven Adams (12) and Dallas' Seth Curry (30). Bryant, who wore eight and later 24 in his career, died with eight others in a helicopter crash on Sunday. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Oklahoma City's Dennis Schroder (17) holds the ball before taking a 24-second shot clock violation to honor NBA legend Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers on the second possession of an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Dallas took an eight-second backcourt violation on the first possession. Also shown on the court are Oklahoma City's Steven Adams (12) and Dallas' Seth Curry (30). Bryant, who wore eight and later 24 in his career, died with eight others in a helicopter crash on Sunday. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-10fa2968419237fc04b646e3bafd9d0f.jpg)
![Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives past Tim Hardaway Jr. (11) in the first quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives past Tim Hardaway Jr. (11) in the first quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-8b3d5201a99774cfbf16b125ba0f500e.jpg)
![Dallas' Luka Doncic (77) shoots over Oklahoma City's Steven Adams (12) in the fourth quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Dallas won 107-97. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Dallas' Luka Doncic (77) shoots over Oklahoma City's Steven Adams (12) in the fourth quarter during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Dallas won 107-97. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-366c48f22163a48baec22bf4af77f6c2.jpg)
![Oklahoma City assistant coach Maurice Cheeks wears a pair of Kobe Bryant shoes during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Oklahoma City assistant coach Maurice Cheeks wears a pair of Kobe Bryant shoes during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-a3757aa6d1f88f31254a9bf9918e8a5e.jpg)
![Dallas' Luka Doncic (77) honored NBA legend Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, his daughter Gianna and the seven others killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday with writing on his shoes, during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Dallas won 107-97. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Dallas' Luka Doncic (77) honored NBA legend Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, his daughter Gianna and the seven others killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday with writing on his shoes, during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Dallas won 107-97. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-c1b4dc89cb651784eeac84fc84a08820.jpg)
![Dallas' Luka Doncic (77) honored NBA legend Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, his daughter Gianna and the seven others killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday with writing on his shoes, during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Dallas won 107-97. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Dallas' Luka Doncic (77) honored NBA legend Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, his daughter Gianna and the seven others killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday with writing on his shoes, during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Dallas won 107-97. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-1a8a2aa3cc34514ea2605ab3caa0598b.jpg)
![Oklahoma City's Luguentz Dort (5), left, and Nerlens Noel (9) defend Dallas' Maxi Kleber (42) during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Oklahoma City's Luguentz Dort (5), left, and Nerlens Noel (9) defend Dallas' Maxi Kleber (42) during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-a9088b4b5a29deedf125e5a14c23c02a.jpg)
![Oklahoma City's Danilo Gallinari (8) shoots as Dallas' Luka Doncic (77) defends during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]
Photo - Oklahoma City's Danilo Gallinari (8) shoots as Dallas' Luka Doncic (77) defends during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. [Nate Billings/The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-f797f98651e1bdefc00da3d48efe3771.jpg)

Maddie Lee followed an NBA team from Seattle to Oklahoma City, she just took a 10-year detour in between. Lee joined the Oklahoman in October 2018 as a Thunder beat writer, fresh off a stint in Oxford, Miss., where she covered Ole Miss for the... Read more ›