Basketball

Lakers and Nets Set for Home After Chinese Outing

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets begin their journey home after playing their two preseason games amidst rising tensions.

It seemed unlikely that the two teams would get to play as scheduled due to the cancellation of some small events that were to take place before the match, like the Lakers’ NBA care event.

The tensed condition follows from the effect of a tweet by Houston Rockets’ manager, Daryl Morey, who mentioned the ongoing Hong Kong crisis, asking for them to be free. The tweet was found offensive by the Chinese. China has been known to treat any comment regarding its island state with serious interest. The fact that Morey deleted the tweet did not help matters.

Going into the game, the Chinese station in charge of broadcasting the game declined to do so. In the two games, there was an absence of the media to capture the game for either side of the team. The NBA Commissioner, Adams Silver, had his pregame conference canceled. Little wonders few expected the game to start as planned.

However, the first game started at the normal time, and the atmosphere inside was quite different from the one outside or from what most people would have expected. The seats were full, with fans bursting with energy who were quick to praise the Lakers’ star, Lebron James, whenever he played in a ball. The first game was quite uneventful, although not for the Nets side as Kyrie Irving had to leave the court after spending less than two minutes after taking a ball to his face.

The second leg of the game was not any worse, as fans in Shenzhen maintained the same energy, displaying their love for the game and James. Anthony Davis of Lakers suffered a sprain in his right thumb and had to be taken off the court.

No doubt, things may still be strained between China and the NBA, but the Chinese fans are not allowing their government’s policy or orientation to affect their love for the game. Hopefully, China and the NBA can resolve differences soon and come to a better understanding.

In the two games, the Nets came out on top, winning 114-111 in the first leg, and 91-77 in the Saturday game. They now lead 3-0 in the preseason game. The Lakers would be up against the Golden States Warriors on Monday.

 
 
Written by: Leon Osamor

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Champions League, World Cup and many more.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Valencia pleads with La Liga for postponement of game against Real Madrid

Valencia have pleaded with the La Liga authorities to postpone its match with Real Madrid… Read More

October 31, 2024

Dubois gets permission to face new challenger

Daniel Dubois has been given the go-ahead from the International Boxing Federation (IBF) to fight… Read More

October 31, 2024

Manchester United faces a brick wall ahead of Amorim’s appointment

Manchester United has seen their attempt to appoint Rúben Amorim as Erik ten Hag's successor… Read More

October 31, 2024

Randal Kolo Muani set to leave PSG

Reports have emanated from France that Randal Kolo Muani could leave Paris Saint-Germain for as… Read More

October 31, 2024

Dortmund chief Sebastian Kehl drums support for Nuri Sahin despite early season woes

Nuri Sahin has come under fire after Borussia Dortmund's start this term, but has received… Read More

October 31, 2024

Chet Holmgren Shines as Thunder Defeat Spurs, Besting Rival Victor Wembanyama

In an early showdown between two of the NBA’s most promising young big men, Chet… Read More

October 31, 2024