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Vic Oladipo pays tribute to Kobe Bryant in first game back

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INDIANAPOLIS — During his first game in more than a year, Pacer's star Victor Oladipo paid tribute to Kobe Bryant.

Walking into Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Oladipo sported Bryant's number eight NBA All-Star jersey.

Bryant and eight others, including his daughter Gianna Bryant, were tragically killed in a helicopter crash in California on Sunday.

After the game, Oladipo said while he played, he tried to stay in the moment, just like Kobe taught him.

"Obviously, I got a little emotional other there," Oladipo said. "The week has just been emotional. Just from the loss of Kobe, and GiGi, and everyone on the helicopter."

The Pacers also honored Bryant at the beginning of their game against the Bulls with a 24-second and eight-second violation. The numbers representing those Bryant wore during his career in the NBA. Similar tributes have been held at games across the country.

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