image courtesy of NBAE
The most renowned Basketball league in the world will once again be playing outside of North America. Atlanta Hawks will face the Brooklyn Nets in a spectacle which is set to wow a NBA London audience. The mouth-watering tie gives European NBA fans a real treat, with visitors set to fly in from a number of countries, including Turkey and Spain, two countries which indeed have their own professional basketball leagues. The match will be played at the O2 arena on 16th January 2014, which is the eighth game played there since 2007. Visiting London for the match next week? Check out Hotel Direct for a range of deals on accommodation in the city.
With the sport becoming ever more popular this side of the Atlantic, it is once again set to be an exciting game. Having played pre-season matches in Manchester back in October, the return to Europe in the regular-season is set attract even more interest. NBA Commissioner David Stern said, “Through these games, we will bring the NBA experience to more fans and provide showcases for basketball and the extraordinary talent and athleticism of our players.”
image courtesy of Getty Images
The games in London and Mexico City will mark the first time the league will stage regular-season games in two countries outside of the U.S. and Canada in the same season. It will be the fourth time the nets are playing in the capital since 2008, while the Hawks were the first NBA team (along with the Orlando Magic) who played in London back in 1993.
For the Nets, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce are new signings this year will play alongside Deron Williams, Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson. For the Hawks, two-time NBA All-Star Al Horford, Kyle Korver and Paul Millsap, will join Denis Schroder from Germany and Jeff Teague.
image courtesy of Getty Images
Last-season was a sell-out triumph, and expect this to be the same. The Atlanta Hawks will be looking to make it 7 seasons in a row of making it to the play-offs. The Nets will look to continue the scintillating form that saw them set the franchise record 21 three pointers in a 130-94 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on 16th December.
Be sure to check out the action and NBA London build-up online. You can keep up to date will all the action by following @NBAUK on Twitter or checking out NBA UK on Facebook.
Where?
The o2 Arena, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX
Phone:020 8463 2000
When?
Thursday, January 16th 2014 (doors open at 6.30pm)
Tip Off @ 8pm
How much?
Prices range from £40.75 – £249.75
Click to buy