The stars were out in Greenwich last night, with famous faces from music, film and sport sitting courtside as the NBA made its annual trip to London.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry sat next to former Arsenal star turned Chelsea dynamo Cesc Fabregas while Didier Drogba was nearby as the Milwaukee Bucks beat the New York Knicks 95 – 79.
Recently retired Henry was engulfed by a scrum of smartphone users at half time as he embraced Golden Globe winning actor Idris Elba.
As well as big names such as Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire on court, the fringes were also filled with celebrities.
Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas watch the action
Gunners fans in particular got a treat – with Mathieu Flamini and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also enjoying the game.
Boxer Anthony Joshua, who was recently forced to pull out of his upcoming contest at the O2 with injury, seemed to be enjoying being a spectator at the dome, happily posing for selfies with fans.
X Factor winners Little Mix and rapper Lethal B and Made In Chelsea’s Millie Mackintosh were also spotted in the crowds.
Kareem Abdul Jabbar and his fellow NBA legends are welcomed by the crowd
At half time, a parade of NBA legends including Dikembe Mutombo and Kareem Abul Jabbar were unveiled to an appreciative audience.
It’s the fifth time the NBA has visited the O2 in recent years for a regular season game but the returning New York team couldn’t use their relative familiarity with the Greenwich arena to their advantage.
The Bucks cruised to an easy win as the Knicks season continued to flounder, with just five wins in 41 games.
But that torrid form didn’t dampen their enthusiasm for their British trip.
Speaking the day before the game, six-time NBA All-star Amar’e Stoudemire said: “It’s great (to be here). It’s a bit nippy out here. It’s always great to hang out with the Brits.
“We know it is going to be fun. It’s always fun to play here. The fans are excited and we are as well.”
While Premier League footballers were keen to see the NBA stars in action, it was clearly a mutual appreciation.
The 6ft10 centre, who said he was going for fish and chips the night before the game, went to watch Everton’s FA Cup clash with West Ham on Tuesday night.
He said: “That was great, a great atmosphere.
“I got a chance to mix with the guys and hung out in the players’ lounge. It was a lot of fun.
“I have been to a Chelsea game a few years back. It’s always fun to catch a good football game.”
Boxer Anthony Joshua
Didier Drogba took in the game
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel