(The Sports Xchange) – Fans in Mexico will receive a first-hand look at reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Russell Westbrook next season when the Oklahoma City Thunder play the Brooklyn Nets in the nation’s capital.
The NBA Mexico City games feature the Nets playing a regular-season contest against Westbrook, four-time All-Star Paul George and the Thunder on Dec. 7. Brooklyn will then face the Miami Heat two days later.
“They will also mark the 25th anniversary of our first game in Mexico City, a milestone in our relationship with our Mexican fans and a further indication of our desire to strengthen our ties to Mexico and Latin America,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
In January, the NBA held two games in Mexico with the Phoenix Suns playing against the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs.
Nets general manager Sean Marks was thrilled that his team is being able to represent the NBA in this capacity.
“The Brooklyn Nets are honored to be the host team for the 2017 NBA Mexico City games and help the league celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first NBA game in Mexico,” Marks said. “We are excited to take part in fostering the NBA’s global outreach and to connect with the Nets current and growing fan base in Mexico. Our players and staff are looking forward to exploring Mexico City and its culture, while providing fans with the experience of two regular-season Brooklyn Nets games.”
Thunder general manager Sam Presti offered a similar sentiment.
“We’re excited to be asked to participate in the NBA Mexico City games 2017 as the NBA expands its global reach,” Presti said. “As we enter only our 10th season of Thunder Basketball in Oklahoma City, we feel incredibly fortunate that our team and fan base will get to experience our first regular-season game abroad.”
(Editing by Steve Keating in Toronto.)
