HAWKS-NETS BOUND FOR LONDON - Hoopsfix.com

HAWKS-NETS BOUND FOR LONDON

brooklyn cheers 568The Atlanta Hawks are to play the Brooklyn Nets in London at 02 Arena on January 16 2014 in the latest NBA regular season game to come to the UK.

The game is one of two regular-season games the NBA will play internationally during the 2013-14 season, which also includes a game in Mexico City between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the San Antonio Spurs on December 4.

“With the addition of regular-season games in London and Mexico City, we will play one of the most comprehensive international games schedules in our history next season,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern.

Al Horford: London-bound (NBAE/Getty)

Al Horford: London-bound (NBAE/Getty)

“Through these games we will bring the NBA experience to more fans and provide showcases for basketball and the extraordinary talent of our players.”

This will be the Nets’ third trip to London; the then-New Jersey Nets played a preseason game in 2008 against the Miami Heat, and also played in the league’s first regular-season games in the UK, a pair of contests against the Toronto Raptors, in 2011.

The Hawks took part in the NBA’s first ever pre-season games in London in 1993 with back-to-back games against the Orlando Magic.

It is thought that Atlanta will be the hosts, giving up one home game at the Phillips Arena.

“Playing in London will be a special experience for our players and coaches, and we are proud to represent Atlanta in front of an international audience,” said Hawks’ President of Basketball Operations/General Manager Danny Ferry.