It’s been less than a year since the world tragically lost Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi Bryant. On Kobe’s 42^nd birthday (Aug. 23) and on Mamba Day (Aug. 24), the Los Angeles Sparks joined the rest of the WNBA, NBA and basketball community in honoring the lives of two of the biggest supporters of women’s basketball.

Sparks head coach Derek Fisher took the time to address his old teammate’s birthday falling on a Sparks gameday against the Dallas Wings, mentioning his work ethic and support of the WNBA as important things to remember.

“Our players and everyone involved with the organization are trying to do what small part we can just as a gesture and a token of our appreciation for what [Kobe] meant and what he still means, even if he’s not physically here,” said Fisher. “Today is still a celebration of his life and his legacy.”

The Sparks honored the Bryant family throughout their game against the Wings, beginning with gameday outfits featuring Kobe and his brand Mamba Sports Academy. Candace Parker even debuted custom Kobe tribute sneakers during the pregame. Members of the Sparks coaching staff could be seen wearing the orange WNBA logo shirt with a memorial pin with Kobe’s initials on the basketball.

In game, the Sparks featured special Nike graphics with Mamba Forever logos displayed and will continue to do so during Sparks games throughout the week.

His presence could be felt the second both teams stepped on the court; in the pregame tribute to his family, in every Sparks fadeaway bucket, all the way to a comeback win in the last two minutes of the game. The final score was 84-81 Sparks, and players were quick to credit Kobe during postgame.

“I hope we honor him in action,” said Candace Parker. “I think he left a clear blueprint of what he did while we was on this Earth and what he wants us to continue to do… Basketball has given us all so much, and it’s our job to make it better for the next person.”

In the wake of Kobe’s passing, the city of Los Angeles named Aug. 24 Mamba Day. As part of the first annual celebration, Kobe and his family were honored during the Lakers playoff game. Sparks players Te’a Cooper, Sydney Wiese, Reshanda Gray, Brittney Sykes and Marie Gülich participated as virtual fans alongside the Mamba Sports Academy girls basketball players and coaches.

The Sparks honored Kobe Bryant on social media with photos, player testimonies and a tribute video – click here to watch.