The Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans are going half way across the world to play two games of basketball. During preseason games next year, the two teams will face off during the preseason in China as part of the NBA’s Global Games China series. The two games will be played on October 9th and October 12th in Shanghai and Beijing respectively.
The NBA commissioner, Adam Silver is very excited to see the two teams playing in China. According to ESPN’s Justin Verrier, he said:
“We are thrilled to bring NBA teams once again to Beijing and Shanghai,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “NBA fans in China are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the game of basketball. The China Games deliver the live, authentic NBA experience to our Chinese fans and provide our teams and players an opportunity to learn more about the Chinese people and culture.”
The Rockets last played in China in 2004 when Yao Ming was on the team, but they are extremely excited to be going back. They will be able to see exactly what China is like, meet some new fans, and embrace the special bond that the team has with China because of Ming. James Harden told said in a statement:
“Our entire Houston Rockets team is looking forward to returning to China, to compete and play our best basketball for our loyal and passionate fans. We are proud of the special bond our team has with the Chinese fans, and we know the atmosphere at the games will be electrifying.”
This will be the first time the Pelicans organization will be visiting China, but Anthony Davis is excited that he will be able to meet Chinese fans. Davis, who has been to China before, said that he loves the fans’ love and excitement for the game of basketball. “Visiting Beijing and Shanghai and interacting with the Chinese fans is going to be an incredible experience to share with my coaches and teammates,” said Davis.
The Rockets and Pelicans have had significantly worse seasons this year compared to last year, but both of the games in China will be exciting games of basketball, and the players will play their hardest to show Chinese fans just how well they can perform.
