Western Conference finalists the Oklahoma City Thunder will travel to Spain to face the Liga Endesa’s top two sides in the European leg of this year’s NBA Global Games.
The Thunder, who narrowly lost out in seven games to the Golden State Warriors will aim to go one step further by beginning against Real Madrid at the Barclaycard Center on October 3 before concluding their tour against Barcelona on October 5 at the Palau Saint Jordi.
“Coming off one of the most exciting Western Conference Finals in recent memory, the Oklahoma City Thunder is an ideal team to bring the excitement and passion of the NBA directly to our European fans,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said.
“The Thunder’s matchups against two heavyweights of European basketball will show off the best of our game while also providing a focal point for a wide range of grassroots basketball activities in Madrid and Barcelona.”
PLAYER QUOTES:
Sergio Llull, Real Madrid..
“It is great that we will be playing another NBA team this year following our exciting game against the Boston Celtics last year. I can’t wait to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in October here in Madrid. Being able to play some of the best players in the world means a lot to everybody in the Real Madrid organization, and we will make sure it will be a great experience for all of our amazing fans.”
Juan Carlos Navarro, Barcelona..
“We have a long tradition of playing against NBA teams, and it is always thrilling for players and fans alike. I have very good memories of past games, especially the games we played at the Staples Center in Los Angeles; when we faced the Lakers here in Barcelona; and the first game we played against the Memphis Grizzlies – also in Barcelona – in what was Pau Gasol’s first season in the NBA.”
