Remembering Kobe Bryant At The Summer Olympics

Remembering Kobe Bryant At The Summer Olympics

One of the most shocking losses in the last few years was the devastating death of NBA star Kobe Bryant and his daughter. Both of them not surviving a plane crash. Now is a time to remember. Remembering Kobe Bryant at the summer Olympics.Both times leading to Team USA gaining gold for men’s basketball.

Kobe’s First Olympic Round In 2008

Beijing, China hosted the Summer Olympic Games in 2008. As a member of Team USA for the first time, Kobe Bryant made his debut.  Bryant scored twenty points during the games which led to victory for the USA. After eight minutes of play in the gold medal game, the USA led by two points. Bryant, not to be denied his first Olympic gold medal, took over the game and contributed 13 points, three assists, and two crucial blocked shots to lead the USA to a 118-107 victory in one of the best international basketball games in history.

“What you saw today was a team. Everybody wants to talk about NBA players being selfish and arrogant and being individuals,” Bryant said following the win.

Returning In 2012 For A Second Appearance

Bryant, competing in his second straight Olympics for the U.S., played big in the gold medal match against Spain. After the first quarter, the U.S. led 35-27, 59-58 at halftime, and 83-82 going into the fourth quarter. During the fourth quarter, the U.S. led by double digits before removing Bryant and the other starters to end the game.

In his 36th game in a red, white, and blue USA uniform, Bryant played his final game.

“You realize how fleeting time is, and it brings me great joy to be standing here at this point of my career. It will be exciting to look back at all the memories, this being one of them.”

By: Samantha Evans

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