The Dallas Mavericks, a squad from the NBA, are gearing up to face off against the current EuroLeague titleholder, Real Madrid, in an exhibition game. The match is scheduled to occur at the WiZink Center in Madrid on the 10th of October, 2023, starting at 8:45 p.m. CET. This occasion holds significance as it commemorates 35 years since the inaugural NBA matches were contested in Spain back in 1988. It will mark the NBA’s eighth appearance in the Spanish capital and the 20th game to be played in Spain overall.
The Dallas Mavericks feature a standout player by the name of Luka Dončić, who is a four-time NBA All-Star and a member of the All-NBA First Team. Dončić initiated his career with Real Madrid when he was just 13 years old. Surprisingly, at the tender age of 19, he clinched the title of the youngest-ever EuroLeague and EuroLeague Final Four MVP after steering Real Madrid to victory in the 2018 EuroLeague tournament. The team also includes Kyrie Irving, an eight-time NBA All-Star and the 2016 NBA titleholder.
Real Madrid proudly showcases the presence of Sergio Llull, an esteemed Spanish player and former NBA draft pick, in addition to other ex-NBA athletes such as Rudy Fernández, Mario Hezonja, Džanan Musa, and Sergio Rodríguez. Real Madrid boasts an impressive track record, having secured 36 La Liga ACB championships and 11 EuroLeague titles throughout its illustrious history.
It’s worth mentioning that the most recent preseason NBA encounter in Madrid occurred in 2016 when Luka Dončić was part of the Real Madrid team that faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The inaugural NBA games in Madrid unfolded in 1988 when the Boston Celtics clashed with the Yugoslavian Men’s National Team alongside Real Madrid.
Before heading to Madrid, the Dallas Mavericks are also scheduled to play two preseason matches against the Minnesota Timberwolves on the 5th and 7th of October as part of The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023.
Mark Tatum, the NBA’s Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer, expressed enthusiasm about delivering the live NBA experience to passionate global fans. He articulated that connecting with fans from Spain and beyond Europe for this momentous encounter between the Mavericks and Real Madrid will be a primary focus.
CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, Cynt Marshall, conveyed appreciation for the opportunity to partake in the Madrid game, underscoring the significance of engaging with fans. Marshall also lauded Luka Dončić as one of the preeminent international NBA ambassadors.
Real Madrid Ambassador, Felipe Reyes, views this impending game as a remarkable event. He envisions it as a captivating spectacle and a thrilling affair for Real Madrid supporters and basketball devotees. Reyes also paid tribute to Luka Dončić as a Real Madrid icon and a distinguished NBA luminary who proudly represents the club wherever he goes.
Image Source: Dallas Mavericks @ Instagram
