NBA announces comprehensive global games schedule

NEW YORK, Mar. 5 (Xinhua) -- The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced Tuesday eight NBA teams will take part in a comprehensive global games schedule that will include a total of eight games in six countries and regions in October.

"Providing fans with an authentic NBA experience is an important part of our efforts to grow the game globally," NBA Commissioner David Stern said through a press release on Tuesday.

"This fall, nearly a third of our teams will embark on a global tour that will celebrate the game of basketball, give our international fans a chance to connect with NBA teams and players, and leave a lasting impact in each of the communities we visit."

The NBA will present the first-ever preseason games in Brazil and Philippines, and the cities of Bilbao of Spain and Manchester of Britain are also included in the calendar for the first time.

"The last time I played in China during the 2008 Olympics, the atmosphere was electrifying and you could see that the fans truly love the game," said Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. "Every summer I travel to China to meet the fans and I can't wait to play for them again in Beijing and Shanghai."

"I'm excited to play in China for the first time and I know the fans there are among the most passionate NBA fans in the world," said Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. "We look forward to putting on a great show, feeding off the excitement of the crowds, and taking the opportunity to interact with all of the great Chinese fans."

The schedule:

Oct. 5: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Fenerbache Ulker Istanbul, Istanbul

Oct. 6: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Uxue Bilbao Basket, Bilbao

Oct. 8: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Philadelphia 76ers, Manchester

Oct. 10: Houston Rockets vs. Indiana Pacers, Manila

Oct. 12: Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards, Rio de Janeiro

Oct. 13: Houston Rockets vs. Indiana Pacers, Chinese Taipei

Oct. 15: Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers, Beijing

Oct. 18: Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers, Shanghai

We recommend:
Who is No. 1 belle in Chinese compus?	Top 10 hotel bars around the world	Chinese actress Wang Xiwei in swimsuit
China's most complete ancient gov't office	Actresses that will become famous in 2013	49 unmissable tourism destinations
Shocking shots in Journey to the West	The only existing Xiongnu capital in China	Top 10 legendary ladies in the Republic times