Billy Crystal and Wife Janice Attend First NBA Game in Staples Center Following Kobe Bryant's Death

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Billy Crystal and wife Janice attended the first NBA game held at the Staples Center since Kobe Bryant's sudden death. The couple were among the attendees as the Los Angeles Clippers took on the Sacramento Kings Thursday night at home, in an emotional evening for basketball fans. Longtime Clippers fan Crystal, 71, sat courtside with Janice, 70, inside the arena that both the Clippers and Brant's team, the Los Angeles Lakers, call home.

(Photo: Allen Berezovsky / Contributor / Getty, Getty)

Ahead of Thursday's game, which ultimately went to the Kings, 124-103, the Clippers paid tribute to Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and the seven other victims who died in the helicopter crash. The team broke from its usual pre-game checklist by uncovering Bryant's pair of retired jerseys — which along with the Lakers' championship banners are usually covered during Clippers games — and played an emotional video to kick off the game.

The clip was presented alongside photos of the crash victims, but mainly focused on Bryant, Gianna and the loss that has been felt by the entire city of Los Angels. Clippers player Paul George narrated the clip, which was followed by a moment of silence for all involved.