Washington Wizards produced late magic to stage a comeback as the New York Knicks’ struggles continued in front of a packed O2 Arena.
The encounter in London lost some of its gloss with star men from both sides missing through injury with Wizards point guard John Wall and the Knicks’ Kristaps Porzingis both sidelined.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver dropped a shock bombshell in his usual pre-match press conference by suggesting London will not host a regular-season game next year.
Washington Wizards' Thomas Bryant was to prove the unlikely hero with the dramatic winner just before the buzzer
The packed London crowd at the O2 Arena were given the full flavour and taste of a typical NBA match
Washington Wizards and New York Knicks contest for the tip-off as the NBA match in London gets underway
Silver hinted that the NBA are planning to shift the annual game in Europe from London to Paris as they look to tap into other markets outside of the US.
Commissioner Silver said when asked if a game in Paris is on their agenda: ‘I was told not to make an announcement today but yes it’s possible.
‘We’re working on organising a regular season game in Paris next season.
‘Right now we’re thinking that the format will be one game.’
This was the ninth regular season NBA game to be staged in London and was watched by a sell-out crowd
Bryant dunks for the Washington Wizards but they struggle to contain their dangerous opponents
Bradley Beal sizes up his options as the Wizards look to build an offensive move in London
The Knicks defied their four-game losing streak to establish impressive dominance over their rivals early on
If this is to be the last NBA game to be played in London for at least two years then it did not disappoint as the franchises were embroiled in a tight contest right up until the final buzzer sounded.
The Knicks came into the game with just two wins in their last 19 games with one of the NBA’s youngest sides struggling for consistency under David Fizdale.
Washington, who have been cheered on by Wayne Rooney this season, have also been in poor form and may also miss out on a place in the playoffs.
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