Nuggets honor Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo with video tribute, 55-second round of applause
There was a video tribute celebrating his big accomplishments on and off the court
DENVER (AP) — There was a video tribute celebrating Dikembe Mutombo's big accomplishments on and off the court. Then, Denver Nuggets fans stood and applauded for 55 seconds — his number.
The late Mutombo was remembered by the franchise in the first quarter of the season opener Thursday night against Oklahoma City. Denver players and coaches showed their respect, too, by wearing T-shirts emblazoned with an image of the big man's iconic finger wag.
Mutombo, the basketball Hall of Famer known for his enormous smile and heart, unmistakable voice and, of course, that finger wag, died last month of brain cancer. He was 58.
“I feel really fortunate to have gotten to know him and coached him and spend time with him,” said Nuggets coach Michael Malone, whose team stenciled Mutombo’s name and “55” on the floor near Denver’s bench. “He’ll be missed by many, many people.”
