October bucket-fest set

Warriors vs Timberwolves in Shenzhen and Shanghai

Expect this year's NBA Global Games China to produce a pair of powerhouse shootouts when the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves clash on Oct 5 at the Universiade Center in Shenzhen and on Oct 8 at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai.

"We are committed to bringing live NBA games to our passionate and growing fan base in China," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in announcing the games, presented by Master Kong.

"Beyond the action on the court, these visits allow our teams and players to experience a different culture and an opportunity to bond through community service, fan events and interaction with the public."

This marks the Warriors' third trip to China following visits in 2008 and 2013, while the Timberwolves will be playing here for the first time.

Including this year's games, 14 NBA teams will have played 24 games in China since 2004 - in Beijing, Guangzhou, Macao, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Taipei.

"The Warriors and Timberwolves will continue to showcase the authentic NBA experience in China this fall, and we are proud that following these games, nearly half the league will have played in front of Chinese fans," said NBA China CEO David Shoemaker.

"The popularity of the NBA in China is at an all-time high, and the Warriors and Timberwolves will experience that excitement firsthand in October."

In addition to the on-court action, NBA Global Games China 2017 will feature a variety of fan activities, including the sixth annual Fan Appreciation Day presented by Dongfeng Nissan on Oct 7 in Shanghai.

The event will provide thousands of fans with an opportunity to participate in on-court games and watch the Warriors and Timberwolves practice.

The league and its partners will also host NBA Cares community events in both cities.

The 2015 NBA champion Warriors' star-studded roster features reigning back-to-back league MVP Stephen Curry, eight-time All-Star Kevin Durant, three-time All-Star Klay Thompson and two-time All-Star Draymond Green.

"I have visited China every year since 2013, and the fans there are incredibly supportive of me, the Warriors and the NBA," said Curry.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to return to China, enjoy the country's culture and bring the excitement of live NBA action directly to Chinese fans."

The Timberwolves are led by back-to-back NBA Rookies of the Year Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins, as well as two-time slam dunk champion Zach LaVine.

"It is a great privilege for me and my teammates to play in China for the first time in our franchise's history," said Towns.

"When I visited last summer, I was amazed at the passion that Chinese fans have for basketball. Traveling to China with my teammates and coaches will be a fantastic experience,"

NBA Global Games China 2017 will be supported by promoter iRENA Group, along with a robust roster of marketing and merchandising partners. The games will be broadcast worldwide on television, digital and social media.

yangxinwei@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 03/22/2017 page22)