The Washington Wizards arrived in London on Tuesday morning — a day late due to the team’s flight having a snow delay — for an international home game against the New York Knicks on Thursday at O2 Arena. The upcoming matchup marks the first time the Wizards franchise has played a regular season game outside of North America.
While the team is focused on getting a win, they are also looking forward to enjoying the sights and shopping that London has to offer. Coach Scott Brooks and center Thomas Bryant shed some light on their trip at the team’s last practice before takeoff.
“It’s not every day that somebody gets to go overseas and play a game over there so it’s very exciting,” Bryant said. “I want to get some exclusive drip. You know… get some clothes over there. I grew up in the inner city. Not a lot of time of traveling and everything. So just taking that time out there in London, I get to cherish it…take a lot of pictures, sightsee and just enjoy.”
“It’s definitely going to be a great trip for the entire NBA, representing the league and representing each organization,” Brooks said. “But we’re there to play a game, we’re there to win. But I understand that you also want to have some good memories and bonding with your team. And London is one of the greatest cities in the world and there are so many things to do and some of the greatest shopping places to shop. It should be a great trip.”
The Wizards are already making the most of their arrival as seen in this quick social media roundup:
⚽️ x ?#NBALondon pic.twitter.com/RbDdueOCFO
— NBA (@NBA) January 15, 2019
A royal dinner in London ? #NBALondon | #DCFamily pic.twitter.com/QEaQEmF3b3
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) January 15, 2019
Thursday’s game will be shown in more than 200 countries. A win over the Knicks will improve the Wizards record to 19-26.