Memphis Grizzlies Triumph in London
The Memphis Grizzlies celebrated a triumphant return to London by defeating the Orlando Magic 126-109 in the NBA’s first regular-season game held in the city since 2019. This matchup, which took place at the O2 Arena, marked a significant moment for basketball fans, particularly as it followed the recent double-header series where the Magic had previously edged the Grizzlies 118-111 in Berlin just days earlier.
Ja Morant’s Electrifying Comeback
Star player Ja Morant made a notable comeback after sidelining himself for six games due to an ankle injury, electrifying the crowd with his performance. Morant led the team with 24 points alongside five rebounds and 13 assists, and he drew a warm reception from the London audience who recognized his significant return to play. His scoring prowess was evident as he netted 20 points in the first half, 15 of those in a dominant second quarter. Although initially expected to have a limited presence on the court, he ended up playing for 28 minutes, contributing crucially to the Grizzlies’ commanding lead that reached 17 points late in the opening quarter.
Team Contributions and Standout Performers
The game saw strong contributions from Morant’s teammates, including Jock Landale, who provided 21 points off the bench. For the Magic, Wendell Carter Jr. stood out with 18 points, while Paolo Banchero approached a triple-double with 16 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists.
Celebrities and Atmosphere
Courtside, the atmosphere buzzed with celebrity presence, including Premier League footballers like Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk, actress Rosamund Pike, and former football star Thierry Henry, who mingled with NBA legend Tony Parker. Mayor Sadiq Khan also made an appearance on the big screen but received mixed reactions from the fans. The pregame ambiance lifted as NBA icons John Amaechi and Steve Nash addressed attendees, followed by American singer Vanessa Williams performing the national anthem, despite an unexpected shout from the crowd related to political affairs.
Future of the NBA in Europe
The Memphis win wraps up the NBA’s two-game tour of Europe, with plans in motion for future international engagements, including a regular-season game to be hosted in Manchester come January 2024. Additionally, the NBA is exploring the possibility of establishing an independent European league aimed at commencing in the 2027-28 season, though discussions with potential investors are ongoing amid resistance from the longstanding EuroLeague. The outcome of these negotiations could shape the future of basketball in Europe significantly as interest in the sport continues to soar.
