The Washington Wizards beat the New York Knicks on Thursday with a final score of 101-100. The matchup of the two Eastern Conference teams took place in the United Kingdom, as the NBA’s annual London game, which began in 2010.
The game sold out out the 20,000-seat O2 Arena in London, and it also drew a number of well-known soccer players in attendance. For British fans, this is the only opportunity to watch NBA action close up. While the game featured two struggling teams, it ended with a wild finish.
The Knicks led most of the game, until the Wizards mounted a fourth quarter comeback, outscoring New York 24-11. Guard Emmanuel Mudiay led the Knicks with 25 points, and four others scored in double figures.
Bradley Beal and Otto Porter Jr. led the Wizards with 26 and 20 points, respectively. All-star point guard John Wall had surgery on his heel earlier this year, and is out for the season. Beal has had to carry more of the load in response. He is averaging career highs in both rebounds and assists this year.
The game ended on an odd note, as a goaltending call at the buzzer gave Washington the one-point victory over New York.
TANK WARS:
The Knicks lose to the Wizards…on a goaltending call
(via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/eVGriqQeMv
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 17, 2019
While the Knicks and Wizards don’t have much to play for at this point in the year besides draft positions, the matchup was more exciting than many would expect. International events like the annual London game provide fans across the world a unique sporting experience. Games like this prove that basketball truly is a global sport.
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