The Memphis Grizzlies won 126-109 over the Orlando Magic in the first NBA regular season game to be hosted in London since 2019.
As part of the fame the NBA attracts, the court at London’s O2 Arena was packed with famous faces, including footballers Virgil van Dijk and Declan Rice, Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli and actress Rosamund Pike.
Advertisement
American singer Vanessa Williams sang the US national anthem before the game but during the performance a heckler shouted “leave Greenland”.
The speech drew applause from the crowd, but Williams continued unfazed.
This comes after US President Donald Trump said he would charge eight European countries, including the United Kingdom, if they oppose his annexation of Greenland.
Trump insists that Denmark’s sovereign territory is vital to US security and has ruled out taking it by force – a move that has drawn widespread criticism.
NBA glam is coming to London
Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice was among the many footballers in attendance [Getty Images]
Former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry was also courtside near the Orlando bench during the game, along with NBA legend Tony Parker.
Advertisement
Both Henry and Pike get cheers from the crowd in an atmosphere similar to that of the American game at times. The atmosphere could be even better if it was competitive.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan was shown on screen, joined by a huge chorus of cheers, which soon turned into cheers when the camera shifted to show former Real Madrid and Brazil footballer Marcelo.
Before tip-off, NBA stars John Amaechi and Steve Nash both addressed the crowd, Desmond Bane and Santi Aldama, of the Magic and Grizzlies respectively, also thanked the fans for their support.
Morant encourages the Grizzlies
The Grizzlies, who have struggled this season, dominated the first half and led by 17 points late in the first quarter.
Advertisement
From there it was an even contest, the difference in points varied little in the last three quarters and the Magic’s hopes of fighting were limited by the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies got a boost from star guard Ja Morant as he returned from an ankle injury that caused him to miss six games. His name received loud cheers from the crowd before he was tipped off.
Morant scored 20 points in the first half, 15 of which came in the second quarter.
He was going to play well when he returned but he played 28 minutes as he scored 24 points, and his teammate Jock Landale added 21 off the bench.
Advertisement
Wendell Carter Jr impressed the Magic with 18 points, while teammate Paolo Banchero added 16 points, eight rebounds and nine assists in 36 minutes.
Returning to London was the second half of a double-header between the two sides, with the Magic defeating the Grizzles 118-111 on Thursday in Berlin.
“I think every player should want to come and have a chance to play here and experience everything that we and the Magic have had this past week,” Morant said.
Grizzlies teammate Jaren Jackson Jr added: “We were here to play and I’m glad everyone had a good time.
Advertisement
“We have been haunted since we were here in Berlin and London. This is a place I would like to visit again.”
What’s next for the NBA in Europe?
A sellout crowd of 18,424 attended the first regular season NBA game in London in seven years. [Getty Images]
Memphis’ victory in London marks the end of two NBA games in Europe.
In 2027, Manchester will host its first regular-season game, joining Paris to host a double-header next January. Paris and Berlin will both host the games in 2028.
Long-term, the NBA has plans to launch an independent European league that could begin at the start of the 2027-28 campaign, with ongoing discussions with potential investors, sponsors and stakeholders about what that might look like.
Advertisement
The NBA has faced opposition from the EuroLeague, the continent’s current premier club competition.
The EuroLeague has threatened the NBA with legal action, if it approaches any of the current EuroLeague clubs for joining the creation of a new division.
Real Madrid and Alba Berlin both played in the EuroLeague last season. While Real Madrid is still a EuroLeague club, Alba Berlin withdrew from the competition after 24 years earlier this season. Both are understood to be open to joining NBA Europe.
When Manchester’s Co-op Live hosts an NBA game next January, there will be a clearer picture of how the league is happening, what it will look like and when it is expected to launch.
