11 January 2024 , 11:41
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PARIS, FRANCE - The NBA has returned to Europe with Paris the venue as the Brooklyn Nets prepare to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.
The match marks the third time in NBA history that a regular season game will be staged in Paris, following the Milwaukee Bucks’ win over the Charlotte Hornets (2020) and the Chicago Bulls’ triumph against the Detroit Pistons (2023). For NBA on TNT analyst Greg Anthony, the Paris game gives international fans the chance to see two intriguing teams up close and personal.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for the players to not only grow the game internationally, but grow a specific fanbase for these two teams, Cleveland and Brooklyn,” Anthony exclusively told Mirror Sport. “Brooklyn has probably got a little bit more of an international following because of the players they’ve had recently, but Cleveland being a three-seed going into the postseason last year, they have some high-profile talent.
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“They’re starting to play well, which is always positive as we kickstart the new year.”
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There are a lot of teams fighting for seeding in the Eastern Conference playoff places; the elite teams - Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks - are in control of the top three seeds, the jostling for position from four to eight is remarkable. Just one game separates the fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers from the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic.
Nestled between them in sixth are the Cavaliers. Cleveland halted a two-game losing run with a pair of victories over the lowly Washington Wizards before they defeated Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs. The Cavs, 8-3 in their last 11 games, have found form recently behind guards Donovan Mitchell - who is averaging 27.2 points per game - and Max Strus along with center Jarrett Allen.
Allen is hot right now; he has tallied a streak of seven successive double-doubles. With third-year power forward Evan Mobley absent through injury, Allen has ensured Cleveland remains a rebound threat as he prepares to face his former team.
Losers in six of their last seven, the Nets - the 10th seed in the East - defeated Oklahoma City thanks to Nic Claxton’s double-double only to frustratingly lose two days later at home to the Portland Trail Blazers in overtime. But optimism remains in Brooklyn.
Mikal Bridges is the star of the Brooklyn Nets after arriving as part of last season's trade which sent Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns (Getty Images)Mikal Bridges (21.2 points per game) is emerging from his funk, shooting 50 percent from the floor against Portland while Cam Thomas leads a fiery second unit. The Nets have solid pieces, and need to lean on their relentless defense if they are to defeat an ailing Cleveland missing both Mobley and guard Darius Garland.
“Brooklyn is a team that can turn you over,” Anthony declared when considering where the game in Paris will be won and lost. “They’re one of the best teams in the league [at turnovers]. Obviously, Cleveland’s not going to have Darius Garland, so they’re gonna be down a facilitator.
“Are they able to take care of the basketball? Are they able to create enough opportunities in the half-court to force Brooklyn, which is a team that is kinda challenged offensively, to play?
“Turnovers will be key, as will offensive rebounding - Jarrett Allen has been on a tear as of late. If you’re the Cavs, you can take advantage.”
Watch Cleveland Cavaliers v Brooklyn Nets live from Paris on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ from 6.30pm on Thursday. Sign up to TNT Sports and discovery+