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A Surprising and Respectful Pause
As the pregame ceremonies began, thousands of fans in attendance stood quietly as the U.S. national anthem played. What started as a typical pregame ritual turned into a spontaneous show of unity and respect, with fans raising hands, singing along, and even cheering at the anthem’s conclusion. The scene drew applause not only from fellow spectators but also from players on the court, who paused to acknowledge the crowd’s gesture.
Social media quickly picked up the moment, with clips trending on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Fans described it as a “chillingly beautiful” display of sportsmanship and solidarity, especially for an international audience experiencing the NBA live in London for the first time. ([Twitter clips, NBA official social media])
Players React to the Moment
International Games Showcase the NBA’s Global Reach
This game is part of the NBA’s ongoing effort to bring professional basketball to international audiences, helping expand the sport’s fan base beyond the U.S. The league has hosted games in London, Mexico City, and other global cities over the past decade, often highlighting cultural exchanges, community events, and fan engagement alongside the high-level competition on the court.
Moments like the anthem pause illustrate the power of sport to unite people across different cultures, creating shared experiences that resonate far beyond the scoreboard.
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