Crowds are already buzzing at the Venetian Arena this evening as the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets prepare to tip off at 6:30 p.m. tonight for the second game of the NBA China Games, marking the league’s long-awaited return to the country after six years.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) marked its long-awaited return to China after six years with a 132-127 overtime victory by the Phoenix Suns over the Brooklyn Nets Friday night at the Venetian Arena in Macau.
The packed arena erupted with cheers, celebrating not just the game but the NBA’s renewed ties with its biggest overseas market.
Ahead of Friday’s game, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver outlined at a media roundtable the league’s plan to expand its presence in mainland China, moving beyond just Macau.
He also pointed to ongoing, productive talks with Chinese Basketball Association President Guo Zhenming and his team, voicing optimism about future opportunities for collaboration.
“Yes, games can take place in other parts of China, concurrent with our Macau arrangement,” Silver stated.
The multi-year deal announced earlier on Friday between the NBA and the CBA aims to deepen ties and could pave the way for more elite Chinese basketball players to emerge and eventually compete professionally in the United States.
“This collaboration is a continuation of our long-term efforts to elevate the game of basketball in China at all levels,” said the Commissioner during the initial announcement. Meanwhile, CBA president Guo Zhenming emphasized his organization’s commitment to “deepening international exchanges” as part of this new partnership.
Currently, two Chinese players are active in the NBA this season – Portland Trail Blazers’ Yang Hansen and Brooklyn Nets’ Zeng Fanbo. Before them, seven other Chinese players had competed in the NBA, with Yao Ming standing out as the biggest star, who sat courtside Friday.
Friday’s game drew a star-studded audience courtside, including David Beckham, Jackie Chan, Jeremy Lin, Dwyane Wade, and Jack Ma, who added to the spectacle for fans.
During the postgame press conference, Suns head coach Jordan Ott acknowledged Brooklyn’s aggressive and physical start but praised his team’s resilience.
“We know Brooklyn plays hard. We know it belongs to the game. That’s what they do,” Ott said.
“It was our second unit that really helped us. So, a little bit of everything, but it does take a minute to get it adjusted to how aggressive Brooklyn plays.” Ott also disclosed that new signing Jalen Green missed the game due to a minor hamstring strain and said the team would keep evaluating his status for Sunday’s game.
Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernández was also asked to comment on the players’ performance by reporters at the press conference.
“He’s a kid that asks questions when he has to ask questions. But for the most part, he understands. He has a good feel. I’m pretty sure he’ll do the same. He’ll watch his film. He’ll try to be better,” Fernández said.
He added, “And the reality is, when you have minutes, whether you’re Fanbo or whoever you are on our team, you have to take advantage of those minutes. Because NBA minutes are really hard. And it starts right now.”
The home crowd was especially enthusiastic in support of homegrown talent Zeng, who made his NBA debut with the Nets at the game. The 22-year-old savored the moment in front of his hometown fans.
After the match, Zeng described the experience as a “great first experience” and expressed gratitude for being “back on the court” after fully recovering from a back injury sustained in April.
The Suns and Nets are meeting tonight in the second game of the NBA China Games, with Phoenix holding the early advantage.
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