The Grizzlies won with authority in their return to the NBA regular season in the British capital, but Sunday’s game at the O2 Arena was marked by an episode unrelated to the scoreboard and linked to the international political climate.
While the singer Vanessa Williams interpreted “The Star-Spangled Banner” Before the start of the game between Memphis and Orlando, a spectator shouted “Leave Greenland alone!”. The commotion caused laughter and scattered applause in the stands. Williams continued unperturbed and completed the US national anthem.
The moment occurred in an atmosphere of diplomatic tension after the president of the United States, Donald Trump, reiterated in recent days his position that his country should control Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark and a NATO ally. Trump stated that any scenario other than the Arctic island remaining under US control would be “unacceptable.”
According to political sources, Trump announced on Saturday that he will impose a 10 percent import tax starting in February on products from eight European nations, in response to his opposition to US control of Greenland. In a social media post, the president noted that Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland will face the tariff, which could increase to 25 percent on June 1 if what he described as “the total and complete purchase of Greenland” by the United States does not materialize.
The shout during the anthem turned a global sporting event into a stage where political debate was filtered, without officially interrupting the ceremony or the development of the match.
Morant sets the pace
On the court, Ja Morant returned to the lineup and led Memphis with 24 points and 13 assists for a 126-109 victory over the Orlando Magic. Jock Landale contributed 21 points and eight rebounds, while Jaren Jackson Jr. added 17 points. The victory allowed the Grizzlies to avenge the 118-111 loss suffered against Orlando on Thursday in Berlin, in the first game of their European doubleheader.
The duel in London was tenth NBA regular season game played in the English capital. The first was held on March 4, 2011. The league has 2 more regular season games scheduled in Europe for 2027, with venues in Paris and Manchester. In 2028, Paris and Berlin will host official meetings.
