Kobe Bryant‘s impact on the players who succeeded him in the league was laid bare after his untimely demise. Bryant’s death shook the entire community apart, and stories of his interactions flooded popular media.
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Almost all of today’s stars paid homage to Kobe and the entire NBA community joined in. Someone who played a fleeting role in the Kobe story also had his shock expressed.
Matt Barnes was a teammate of Bryant’s for a couple of years in Los Angeles. Beyond that, it was Barnes’ fake jab that prompted the famous “unflinching” Kobe response.
Barnes was a few years younger than Bryant and entered the league at a time Kobe was dominating it. The small forward spent considerable time as a foe, but held Kobe at a “Superhero” status, it seems. And the former NBA champion also reacted to Kobe’s death in an emotional manner.
How did Matt Barnes say he felt upon the Black Mamba’s death?
Barnes talks about how he felt hurt hearing the news of Bryant’s tragic passing. The former Laker described his reluctance to process the information when it happened.
Referring to Kobe as a “Superhero”, Barnes describes how he felt at the time. “It hurt, man. You never think superheroes die. Kobe is a superhero to a lot of people.”
For Barnes, who spent most of his career on Kobe’s opposition, to describe his opponent as a “Superhero” shows the regard that Bryant was held in, in the NBA community. Bryant was a lot more than just a basketball player to many.
Kobe was the epitome of the single-minded dedication which was required to reach the sights he set for himself. Bryant’s work ethic and his hard-as-nails attitude endeared him to all NBA aspirants. And clearly, even opponents drew inspiration from the man.
What is the story behind Bryant’s “unflinching” reaction to Barnes?
Bryant’s no-flinch, no-fear stance became a modern-day legend that elevated with Kobe’s growth. And at the receiving end of the star was none other than the aforementioned Matt Barnes.
Barnes was with the Magic at the time and was facing off against Kobe’s Lakers. A fake pass from the byline straight to Kobe’s face led to the iconic moment. Kobe did not bat an eyelid in an incredible piece of footage from the game.
This only added to the “Black Mamba” persona adopted by Kobe and added to his legend. For everyone, this was a Superhero moment Kobe had. Unflinching in the face of literal harm. Perhaps, this was where Barnes also saw the Superhero he alluded to in his tribute.
