Kylian Mbappé with Nicolas Batum. - Catherine Steenkeste / NBAE / Getty Images / AFP

  • Here, the NBA passed by Paris Friday evening. We tell you this as if you were there!
  • It was expected, the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Charlotte Hornets but it was not so easy.
  • Nicolas Batum was cheered and touched in the post-game. He greatly appreciated the support of an audience that we have not always found up to the task.

A crowded room, a real American show throughout the match, dunks and not really defense…. This is the article you expected to read about the first NBA regular season game in Paris. But this Charlotte-Milwaukee did not necessarily happen like that. Come on, we tell you!

Bucks and Antetokounmpo suffered

On paper, the poster was unbalanced between Bucks in full swing and Hornets in doubt. The "Hornets" had not won in seven games and ... almost ended this pitiful series against the leader of the Eastern Conference. Nicolas Batum's partners returned almost everything during the first quarter (31-24), before resisting until the end of the third (78-78). This is the moment that the "Deer" chose to finally evolve at their level. "We didn't manage to play our usual basketball at the start but it was better at the end and we managed to conclude," said Giannis Antetokounmpo. Often greeted by "MVP, MVP, MVP" who came down from the stands, the Greek Freak also did not deliver the match of its life. But he still finished with 30 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists… and the Bucks signed their 40th victory of the season (116-103). What else?

Following the NBA Paris Game win, @KMbappe and @neymarjr came through to see the @Bucks!

Mbappe and Giannis exchanged signed shoes. 👟🔥 #NBAParis (via @NBAKicks) pic.twitter.com/kiZliWllHI

- NBA (@NBA) January 24, 2020

Acclaimed and touching batum

At home, Nicolas Batum did not go unnoticed. Propelled holder, the Frenchman had the right of entry to a standing ovation from the public. This support never stopped. “It's great to hear your name chanted. Have the audience who love you, I love it! "Admitted the Hornets player after the game. "It gave me confidence. And a few wings, even if the wingman only finished with 5 small points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in 33 minutes on the floor. "I'm in my role, it likes or it doesn't like, I think I'm going to die with that", he defended himself, this altruistic player in a sport of statistics. The Norman did not seem to be having a bad time. He even came with his little boy to a post-match press conference. "He is my biggest victory. My first job is to be a dad, ”he said. Touching.

A great atmosphere, really?

Kyle Corver was the first to draw. Barely finished, the Bucks player greeted the audience and spoke of a "great atmosphere." "I have played in many Arenas but this one was among the best," he added, flattering. Too much politeness? After him, Antetokounmpo, Bledsoe and the others gave a layer with similar words. To wonder if they were there during these long moments when the AccorHotels Arena was half asleep ... There was indeed an ola at the start of the third quarter, real moments of thrills, like during the hymns or when Michael Jordan or Kareem-Abdul Jabbar appeared on the screen, but it was far from an evening of madness.

At the edge of the parquet, there is also a little spectacle. With groupies stamped PSG and named Neymar, Mbappé, Icardi, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Verratti or Kurzawa. "It was crazy to see them here. We are fans of them and they too are fans of us ”, appreciated Giannis Antetokounmpo. "I hope they liked it. It would be better, the NBA returns next year to Paris!

The Marseillaise played by @waxxgyver. A delight ! #NBAParisGame pic.twitter.com/dvmI5Jqa12

- Adrian Prigent (@AdrianPrigent) January 25, 2020

Sport

"Paris is the epicenter of basketball in Europe" ... The NBA in Paris, a hangout or a lasting thunderbolt?

Sport

NBA: "It would be nice if Evan had his match and Rudy also came" in Paris, laughs Nicolas Batum

  • Sport
  • NBA
  • Basketball