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Philippines, 17 May 2024 |
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NBA -- Mavs arrive in China for duel with Sixers (PHOTOS) By Balt Ducay Chavez PhilBoxing.com Wed, 03 Oct 2018  br>
While the agony of waiting may be frittered away on whiling away your time over the latest viral videos on various social media platforms, the NBA is once again bringing the China Global Games in Shanghai and Shenzhen on October 5 and 8 respectively. Some may view these skirmishes as mere preseason games, but for every Asian hoop fan, those who embrace the splendor of basketball's beautiful game, welcoming the NBA back to their shores for the 25thand 26th Games since 2004 clears the rust and clutter for productive and good feng shui for the entire organization, the teams and the players alike. Travelling for the first time in Asia, the Mavs and Sixers will have a first-hand experience of the rabid fan base that will sell-out both the Mercedes Benz Arena and the Shenzhen Universiade Center in front the same rabid fans who left unforgettable memories that helped fuel the Golden State Warriors to win the NBA Finals 2018, their third title in four years. Apart from wrestling the demons of their third-worst record in the NBA last season, shifting time zones would be the least of the Mavericks' worries. They hope to continue giving the impression of launching their off-season right. Otherwise, their impressive 116-63 rout of the Beijing Ducks at the American Airlines Center during preseason opener would go for naught. 
With the acquisitions of De Andre Jordan, a terrific rebounder who finished second averaging 15.2 boards per game, and the highly hyped 19-year old rookie guard in Luka Doncic, Euroleague MVP last season while playing for Real Madrid, it will surely make a huge difference from their last year?s forgetful campaign ranking helplessly 27thin the NBA in rebounds with 41.3 per games. Part of the NBA?s growing international culture, Ding Yanyuhan who was the China Basketball Association MVP for 2017 and 2018 from Shandong Golden Stars averaging 26 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.6 steals from his latest year. 
Watch out for the explosive Dennis Smith Jr whose high-leaping capability transcends higher than China?s economic goals. Dirk Nowitzki who graciously turned 40 this summer is still one deadly marksman to watch out for. He converted 40.9 percent of shots from the rainbow last year. Playing in his 21stseason for the Mavs and probably his farewell tour, this is obviously an interesting time to live like a true blue-bloodied maverick. Last year, the Philadelphia 76ers survived the worst of the journey only to die a thousand miles short of their destiny. The vanquished Sixers worked hard with conviction in the off-season, determined to return to playoffs in April and hopefully produced better results through team trust and individual commitment. Markelle Fultz recaptured the confidence in his jumpers after hoisting well over 150,000 shots over summer. With the new flair in his shooting, this will be another opportunity to prove why he was the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NBA draft. Expect Joel Embiid to carve his greatness in the post in the most savage fashion. With his hulking presence, he can crush his defenders like the hammer of Thor, and doing it so with the grace of a ballerina. Fresh Prince Ben Simmons will act like a lighted fire throwing a fit of carnage both in offense and defense. The chemistry that this trio will bringing to the Sixers will surely fortify each pillar in further detail in their bid as one of the legit title contenders this upcoming season. But first things first. Before the grueling quests and struggles, let the Mavs and Sixers enjoy the splendor of Asia through the NBA China Games. With the preseason at hand, basketball season is indeed back. Is the countdown to opening night still relevant? Photos courtesy of NBA China. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Balt Ducay Chavez.  |
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