Luka Doncic, an esteemed four-time NBA All-Star and All-NBA first-team member, is set to return to his roots for a special preseason game. The NBA recently confirmed that Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks will face off against reigning EuroLeague champion Real Madrid in Spain this October. This game will mark the eighth time the NBA has held a game in the Spanish capital and the 20th time in Spain overall. Interestingly, this event comes 35 years after the NBA first made its appearance in the country, with the Boston Celtics playing against the men’s national team of Yugoslavia and Real Madrid in 1988.
Doncic’s basketball journey began when he joined Real Madrid at the tender age of 13. Throughout his time with the team, he achieved remarkable accomplishments, including becoming the youngest EuroLeague and EuroLeague Final Four MVP at just 19 years old. In 2018, Doncic led Real Madrid to victory in the EuroLeague finals, securing the coveted title for the team. Doncic’s return to face his former club is undoubtedly an emotional and exciting moment for both the player and fans alike.
Real Madrid, known for its rich basketball history and success, is stacked with talented players. Spanish legend and former NBA draftee Sergio Llull, along with former NBA players Rudy Fernández, Mario Hezonja, Džanan Musa, and Sergio Rodríguez, form a formidable lineup for the EuroLeague champion. With a record-breaking 11 EuroLeague titles to their name, Real Madrid is undoubtedly a team that the Mavericks will have to bring their A-game against.
The preseason game between the Dallas Mavericks and Real Madrid marks a significant event for both the NBA and Spanish basketball enthusiasts. It will be the first preseason NBA game held in Madrid since 2016 when Doncic himself, then playing for Real Madrid, took on the Oklahoma City Thunder. Prior to the game in Spain, the Mavericks will also engage in two preseason matches against the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023.
Mark Tatum, the NBA deputy commissioner and chief operating officer, expressed his excitement for this historic matchup and the opportunity to bring the NBA experience to international fans. Tatum stated, “Bringing the live NBA experience directly to our passionate international fans is an important part of our year-round efforts to grow basketball and the NBA around the world.” The game will undoubtedly engage fans from Spain and across Europe, providing them with a unique chance to witness top-notch NBA action on their home turf.
Real Madrid ambassador Felipe Reyes emphasized the significance of facing an NBA team, particularly with the esteemed Luka Doncic returning to Madrid. Reyes referred to Doncic as a “Real Madrid legend,” highlighting the impact and admiration Doncic has garnered throughout his basketball career.
As the preseason matchup approaches, anticipation builds among basketball fans worldwide. Luka Doncic’s homecoming to Spain and the clash between the Dallas Mavericks and Real Madrid promise to deliver an unforgettable display of talent, passion, and sportsmanship.
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