Ja Morant and London NBA stars inspired by ‘passionate’ European fans as expansion talks continue | Basketball News

Ja Morant returned to the NBA court in dramatic style in London on Sunday and the Memphis Grizzlies guard believes any player can embrace the thrill of playing in Europe.

Morant had a double-double as the first half ended at the O2 Arena, helping the Grizzlies take an unassailable lead over the Orlando Magic, finishing with 24 points and 13 assists.

The two-time All Star had the full NBA Europe experience, sitting courtside in street clothes in Berlin – drinking in the atmosphere – then putting together a magical defense with his own unique brand of panache and style in London.

Morant credited the fans for helping to make both games special.

“It was fun. A really good experience. They were enthusiastic,” said Morant. “In Berlin, I was sitting there and I saw the energy on the field and I just rubbed it.

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Orlando Magic star Anthony Black outpoints four Memphis Grizzlies defenders in NBA Germany

“Then I came to London, I got the chance to play. When we left as a group, I left, the crowd went in a little bit, which is what we eat as a group.

“I was just telling the team that it’s great to hear, you know, we’re here and we’re still getting love. I feel like it’s a big thing that we’ve seen in Berlin and here. I feel like it’s great for basketball.”

The globalization of basketball continues, in line with the vision of the late former NBA Commissioner David Stern, who predicted this would be the case three or four decades ago.

The next big step comes with a European expansion league, which the NBA is working to develop alongside the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks to European football powerhouses ahead of NBA Europe expansion

Current NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is looking to harness the power of European soccer fandom as a way to continue growing the game in new areas.

“We are talking to many different football clubs, some of them use basketball teams and others don’t,” he told reporters in Berlin.

“There’s a lot of room for a person to be a fan of their favorite football club and their favorite basketball club, that’s where I’m focused.”

While that’s an understandable focus and a big key to achieving strong growth in the sport, Orlando Magic star Moe Wagner – who delayed his comeback from a year ago with an ACL injury, by preparing and being able to play in Berlin – is determined to find that basketball growth is remarkable in its own right.

“Comparing it to football sometimes takes the joy out of it,” he said. “I look at what is happening in Germany and I am very grateful to be a part of it.

“I think it’s amazing how fast this game is growing.”

The proof of the pudding is that the list of the best basketball players in the world has been greatly expanded by Europeans.

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“It shows that the game is improving,” said Cedric Coward, who started both games for the Grizzlies. “The game is growing in places other than America.

“Our top three players, maybe, in the league right now are all international players. That means our game is being developed in other countries as well. That’s good to hear and good to know. It gives us a little competition as well, which is amazing.”

Travel does not come without its challenges for players, who must quickly adjust to time zones and settle into routines in a completely unfamiliar environment.

There is also a much broader list of media commitments than usual, carefully orchestrated by the NBA to provide unparalleled journalistic access to reporters who don’t usually get within touching distance of players.

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Earlier this season, the Brooklyn Nets thought they were going to win the game in OT before Paolo Banchero’s three-pointer sealed the victory for the Orlando Magic.

Paolo Banchero, who admits that he would like to see an NBA game in Rome or Milan because of his Italian background, says he is excited about something completely new in his professional career.

“I think it’s a unique challenge,” said the former NBA Rookie of the Year. “As a journey to two different countries, [a] a good challenge.

“When we arrived in Europe, getting used to the time was something we had to do at first, but since we have been here for a few days, [I] think everyone is fixed.

“You try to just treat it like a normal game like you would go about your morning routine. I always take a nap before the game, so I just try to incorporate that and go out there and have fun as soon as the game starts.

“There’s a lot of media used and things like that, a lot of long bus rides, but at the end of the day I think it’s an honor for our team to be here, for the NBA to put us in this category.”

Morant may have stolen a star payment from Banchero in London but he agrees with the Magic star that a trip like this will only serve to continue the positive trend of basketball.

Morant stands and watches the action on the court in the NBA Berlin Game (TimGroothuis/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)

He also believes that other teams in the association would welcome the opportunity to make the same trip to Europe.

“I think all the players should want to come and have this opportunity to play here and experience everything that we and the Magic have achieved this past week,” he added.

“I feel like it was good, and if it continues, I feel like both sides will love it.”

NBA stars remember Martin Luther King on MLK Day

Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies players also took time to remember Martin Luther King ahead of MLK Day, which you can follow live. Sky Sports.

Coverage begins with the Milwaukee Bucks’ trip to face the Atlanta Hawks on Sky Sports Mix from 5pm, followed by the Cleveland Cavaliers hosting reigning champions Oklahoma City Thunder on Sky Sports+ from 7pm.

Later in the night, the Dallas Mavericks head to Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks from 10pm and Eastern Conference powerhouses the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons lock horns from 1am – both games are broadcast on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event simultaneously.

Cedric Coward (right) guards Desmond Bane in the NBA Berlin Game (TimGroothuis/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)

The full NBA slate comes on the anniversary of one of the pioneers of the American Civil Rights Movement.

Today, his memory still inspires stars around the league.

“Especially for people of color and people like me, I think it’s just being able to share his beliefs and continue to believe in what he believes in,” added Cedric Coward. “He had a dream, so he was able to continue doing that, just being able to spread his word, and spread his culture around.”

Although this holiday has been celebrated for 40 years now, Desmond Bane still insists that the United States must move forward with the message and beliefs presented by Dr. King more than half a century ago.

“I think it has pushed our country forward, so far, it’s still a long way ahead,” said the guard who was traded by the Grizzlies to the Magic last year.

“He’s someone I’ve always looked up to, and I know a lot of kids who look like me look up to him, he’s someone I want to continue to celebrate and I hope he knows we’ll continue for years to come.”

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