Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant: NBA players ecstatic at the response they received in Philippines
The NBA super squad that played two exhibition games in the Philippines this weekend has been busy telling all, how much they enjoyed the experience.
The players were led by Los Angeles Lakers super star Kobe Bryant. The shooting guard performed duties of both coach and player and was the biggest name on show in the event. He put on a show alright during the two games and said he relished playing in front of the capacity crowds, who contributed to a stunning game experience.
“It’s been a tremendous honour to play here,” said Bryant.
Kobe was so pleased by the tour that he went on to praise the people involved and already declared a willingness to come back and do it again if the opportunity arose.
“Thank you for the love and support and the passion that you have in the sport,” added the four-time NBA All-Star MVP. “I hope this won’t be the last.”
Joining Kobe in singing the praises of the wild support, the NBA stars received was Oklahoma City Thunder’s scoring machine Kevin Durant. Durant only joined the NBA in 2007, but already has won two scoring titles. The player declared his joy at participating in the event and enthused about the fantastic reception the NBA players got,
“It’s one of the most tremendous experiences in my life,” said Durant. “It’s a great honour and I would love to come back here.”
Also on the NBA team was reigning NBA regular season MVP, Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls. Rose, alongside star point guard Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets completed the quartet of established NBA super stars that took part in the two games.
The rest of the team was made up of veteran Derek Fisher and young promising players that will surely shine bright in the coming future. Among them was James Harden of the Thunder, who went to the Western Conference Finals this post season, Tyreke Evans of the Sacramento Kings and high flyer JaVale McGee who represents the Washington Wizards. Rookie Derrick Williams, drafted 2nd overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves this year, and yet to play an official NBA game, completed the cast.
The games themselves were a pretty straightforward matter with the NBA players easing to victories in both. They defeated the PBA selection team by a 131 – 105 margin on Saturday and on Sunday, the Smart Gilas national team was humbled 98 – 89.
The extravagant event was pulled off because the NBA players are currently locked out by the league pending the agreement of a new CBA. More such tours are expected, especially in China, if the lockout drags on.
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