After dropping 30 points on the Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz wing Rodney Hood received a special gift from Kobe Bryant. Also–Autism Awareness Night at Vivint Arena.
Monday night was a special one for Rodney Hood. In what was arguably the best performance of his Utah Jazz career–Hood scored 30 points on 11 of 13 shooting in a single half of play–the second-year wing helped his team hand Kobe Bryant the worst defeat of his entire career in what was his swan song in Salt Lake City.
On the back of Hood’s performance, the Jazz walloped Kobe and the Los Angeles Lakers by an incredible 48 points.
However, the best was yet to come for Hood, who left the arena that night with a precious memento from one of the greatest players in the history of the game. At Hood’s request, Bryant signed the Jazzman’s sneakers; a pair of Bryant’s signature basketball shoes.
Kobe signed the Kobes that Rodney Hood wore in last night's game. pic.twitter.com/j9ghO0rXDt
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) March 29, 2016
From The Salt Lake Tribune—
"“I wanted a picture with him. My whole family is Kobe fans, so I wanted them to get a picture. Just wanted to see him. I know Los Angeles is going to be hectic; we probably won’t see him after the game or get a chance to speak to him. So I waited. He just congratulated me on a good game. He signed my shoes. It was a great moment for me.”"
All I can say about this is that it’s infinitely less creepy than the incident involving Bryant’s sleeve during the game–
Next: Potential First-Round Playoff Match-Ups for the Utah Jazz
Jazz, Vivint Gives Back Hosting Autism Awareness Night
Per an announcement by the team, the Jazz, in conjunction with Vivint Gives Back, which spearheads the philanthropic efforts of Vivint Smart Home, will be hosting Autism Awareness Night during the team’s home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 1.
From UtahJazz.com—
"Prior to tipoff, more than 25 youth with autism will stand with members of the Jazz and Timberwolves during the National Anthem. During the third quarter, a moment of celebration will take place for all families in attendance that have been touched by autism. Two families will be recognized by Larry H. Miller Sports & Entertainment President Steve Starks and Pedersen at center court. Fans will be asked to light the arena bowl blue with 15,000 blue glow foam sticks, which will be handed out upon entry to the arena."
The event at Vivint Arena is part of the NBA’s continued partnership with Autism Speaks, an autism science and advocacy organization, to recognize Autism Awareness Week. 2016 marks the seventh straight year that the two organizations have teamed up to spotlight and support those impacted by autism.
World Autism Day is April 2.