In a groundbreaking move, the NBA is set to return to China for the first time since 2019, marking a significant milestone in rebuilding relations with the basketball-loving nation. According to sources, the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns will play two preseason games in Macao’s Venetian Arena this October. This return signals the culmination of years of effort to mend the fractured relationship between the NBA and China, following tensions sparked by a pro-Hong Kong tweet in 2019.
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A Long Road to Reconciliation
The NBA-China relationship faced a major setback in October 2019 when then-Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey expressed support for Hong Kong protests. This incident led to significant financial losses, including the suspension of NBA games on Chinese broadcast networks and the loss of lucrative sponsorship deals. Over subsequent years, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NBA China CEO Michael Ma worked tirelessly to restore goodwill.
Joseph Tsai, billionaire co-founder of Alibaba and owner of the Brooklyn Nets, played a pivotal role in facilitating this reconciliation. Both Tsai and Silver remained optimistic that NBA games would return to China, and the upcoming Macao games highlight their success.
A Showcase of Partnership and Progress
The NBA’s partnership with Venetian Arena, owned by Las Vegas Sands, signals a broader commitment to fostering basketball culture and youth development in the region. In addition to the games, the NBA will roll out social initiatives in Macao, aimed at teaching basketball skills and values to local children.
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The two preseason games are expected to draw massive attention, as basketball continues to be the most popular sport in China. The last NBA games in China were played in 2019, featuring the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets. This year’s games will reignite the excitement of NBA basketball in a region with a deeply entrenched love for the sport.
History of NBA in China
From 2004 to 2019, 17 NBA teams played a total of 28 preseason games in China, helping to cultivate the league’s massive fanbase in the country. The return to Macao, specifically the Venetian Arena, holds nostalgic value for the NBA. This arena hosted games in 2007, featuring the Orlando Magic and the Chinese national team, as well as the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns will now write the next chapter of NBA-China history, showcasing some of the league’s biggest stars and reigniting the region’s passion for basketball.
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Nikola Jokic Makes History with 139th Triple-Double, Surpassing Magic Johnson
On the same day as the NBA’s big announcement, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic added another historic achievement to his decorated career. Jokic recorded his 139th career triple-double, surpassing Magic Johnson to claim third place on the all-time list. With 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 11 assists in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jokic once again demonstrated his unparalleled versatility.
The Serbian center, now trailing only Russell Westbrook (200) and Oscar Robertson (181) on the career triple-double list, humbly reflected on the milestone. “It’s something I’ll appreciate more when I’m done with my career,” Jokic said. “Right now, I’m just focused on playing.”
A Night to Remember
Although the Nuggets fell 126-114 to the Cavaliers, Jokic’s record-breaking performance was the highlight of the game. His tenth assist came late in the fourth quarter, setting up a three-pointer by Michael Porter Jr.
Jokic’s teammate Jamal Murray praised the superstar’s work ethic and humility, saying, “He does everything on the court with such grace and a winning attitude. He amazes me every day.”
While Jokic celebrated his individual milestone, Nuggets coach Michael Malone emphasized the team’s need to improve. “We got our butts kicked tonight,” Malone admitted, pointing out defensive lapses that allowed Cleveland to hit 22 three-pointers, a season-high.
Despite the loss, Jokic’s achievement solidifies his status as one of the greatest players in NBA history, combining basketball IQ, playmaking, and dominance on the court.
