Ja Morant and other NBA stars were inspired by the energetic European fans as they took part in the league's expansion talks. The Memphis Grizzlies guard praised the fans for helping to make both games special, describing them as "very energetic" during the NBA London Game.
Morant had a double-double by halftime at the O2 Arena, which helped propel his team into an unassailable lead over the Orlando Magic. He also got to experience the European atmosphere firsthand in Berlin, where he sat courtside in street clothes and took in the energy of the arena.
The experience was new for Morant, but he believes that other teams in the association would be keen to make a similar trip to Europe. "I think all players should actually want to come and have this opportunity to play over here," he said. "I feel like it's been great, and if it keeps rolling, I felt like both sides will love it."
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is also looking to leverage the power of European football fandom to continue growing the game in new territories. He believes that there is plenty of room for fans to be interested in both their favorite sports, with many football clubs operating basketball teams.
The globalisation of basketball continues, with the growth of the sport standing out in its own right. The list of top players has been proliferated by Europeans, with Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo sharing five of the last seven NBA Most Valuable Player awards between them.
Players like Morant and Banchero believe that these trips will only serve to continue the positive trend for basketball. They also took time out to remember Martin Luther King ahead of MLK Day, which is remembered on January 18th every year in the United States.
Morant had a double-double by halftime at the O2 Arena, which helped propel his team into an unassailable lead over the Orlando Magic. He also got to experience the European atmosphere firsthand in Berlin, where he sat courtside in street clothes and took in the energy of the arena.
The experience was new for Morant, but he believes that other teams in the association would be keen to make a similar trip to Europe. "I think all players should actually want to come and have this opportunity to play over here," he said. "I feel like it's been great, and if it keeps rolling, I felt like both sides will love it."
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is also looking to leverage the power of European football fandom to continue growing the game in new territories. He believes that there is plenty of room for fans to be interested in both their favorite sports, with many football clubs operating basketball teams.
The globalisation of basketball continues, with the growth of the sport standing out in its own right. The list of top players has been proliferated by Europeans, with Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo sharing five of the last seven NBA Most Valuable Player awards between them.
Players like Morant and Banchero believe that these trips will only serve to continue the positive trend for basketball. They also took time out to remember Martin Luther King ahead of MLK Day, which is remembered on January 18th every year in the United States.
I think it's awesome that European fans are bringing so much energy to NBA games! I was at a game last season and the atmosphere was electric 
. It's great to see players like Ja Morant getting inspired by the fans and wanting to come back 
. The more exposure basketball gets, the better it is for the sport 
. And can we talk about how cool it is that football clubs are running basketball teams? Like, who wouldn't want to be part of a team called "Manchester Hoopers" 
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. And I gotta say, who wouldn't want to play in front of thousands of screaming fans in Berlin? 
It's like a dream come true for any basketball player.
. We're not just talking about a few players making it big here and there – we're talking about an entire list of European players dominating the league. Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo... these guys are killing the game right now 
. It's always great to see athletes using their platforms for good and bringing awareness to important causes.
! Can't wait for more NBA games in London & Berlin 
I'm telling ya, playing in Europe was a whole different vibe! The energy of those fans was electric 
And Morant's right, other teams should definitely consider making a trip to Europe too – can't wait to see more of that excitement 
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I'm not buying it... how did these European fans just magically inspire Morant and his teammates like that? Have we seen any stats or vids from the games showing this energy boost? It sounds like a PR stunt to me 
. And what's with all these "expansion talks" and "leverage the power of European football fandom"? How does that even make sense? Is the NBA just trying to appeal to their existing fanbase in Europe instead of attracting new ones in America? I need some actual numbers or quotes from the fans themselves before I start celebrating this supposed "new trend". 
. Like, who are they? These European fans just come out of nowhere and suddenly we're all supposed to be grateful for their enthusiasm? I think it's actually kinda awkward when rich celebrities like Ja Morant fly across the world to play some ball in a stadium full of people wearing jerseys with their faces on them 
. And what's with the whole "you should want to come and experience this opportunity" vibe? That just sounds like marketing speak to me 
. Give me a break, NBA players can make their own decisions about where they play ball without being swayed by some rowdy fan base 
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. maybe one day we'll see even more european players making a name for themselves in the league 
I swear, if I had to choose between a European football match and a basketball game, I'd probably go for the former... only because they usually serve better snacks at the stadium! 
️. And can we talk about the growth of the game for a sec? It's crazy to see Europeans dominating the top spots in the league, like Nikola and Giannis 
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! It's awesome to see the fans bringing that energy to the games. I feel like it's gonna be huge for basketball's global growth. The players are totally right, it's all about giving fans more reasons to care about their favorite sport. And can you imagine playing alongside some of those amazing European football stars? 
I'm loving how basketball is spreading its wings, just like back in the day when Michael Jordan used to take on the world with his Airness...