NBA London Game: Magic, Grizzlies Bring Showdown to the O2 Arena as Global Games Wrap Up
The NBA’s international tour makes its long-awaited return to London this weekend, with the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies squaring off in the final stop of the 2025-26 Global Games. It’s the league’s first trip back to England in seven years, and the O2 Arena is set to host a matchup that’s got a little bit of everything - rising stars, international flair, and maybe, just maybe, the return of one of the league’s most electric point guards.
Magic Take Berlin, Black Steals the Spotlight
Orlando comes into Sunday’s game riding high after a 118-111 win over the Grizzlies in Berlin on Thursday. The Magic flipped the switch in the second half, but the moment that really turned heads came courtesy of Anthony Black - the second-year guard threw down a fastbreak dunk over four Memphis defenders. Not one, not two - four.
It wasn’t just a highlight. It was a statement.
Black finished with 21 points on just 13 shots, continuing what’s become a breakout season. After modest scoring numbers in his first two years, he’s now averaging 15.8 points per game - and doing it efficiently. He’s looking confident, aggressive, and most importantly, comfortable in Orlando’s system.
Paolo Banchero also looked like the version of himself Magic fans have been waiting to see. The versatile forward poured in 26 points on 9-of-16 shooting, while adding 13 rebounds, four assists, and four steals. It was a complete performance - the kind that reminds you why he’s the centerpiece of this young core.
And speaking of young cores, Orlando’s trio of German national team players showed out in Berlin. Franz Wagner led the way with 18 points, Moritz Wagner chipped in seven, and rookie Tristan da Silva added eight. On German soil, the home crowd got a good look at their countrymen - and they delivered.
Grizzlies Flash Talent, But Can’t Close
Memphis had its moments in Berlin, especially in the first half. Jaren Jackson Jr. was a force, putting up 30 points and anchoring the Grizzlies on both ends. Cam Spencer, a rising playmaker, dished out 11 assists to just one turnover - a ratio any coach will take every day of the week.
But the third quarter was a gut punch. Memphis got outscored by 14 in the frame and couldn’t recover. Add in a 19-7 disadvantage on the offensive glass, and it’s not hard to see where things unraveled.
The Grizzlies head into Sunday’s matchup at 17-23, still searching for consistency under new head coach Tuomas Iisalo. The offense has struggled - ranked 24th in the league - though the defense, sitting at 13th, has kept them competitive. They’re playing with pace (11th in the NBA), but without their floor general, it’s been tough to find rhythm.
Ja Watch: Morant’s Return Still in Play
All eyes are on Ja Morant - and not just because of his Instagram stories. The two-time All-Star hasn’t played since January 2 due to a calf injury, but he made the trip to Europe and went through a full practice on Saturday.
That’s a big deal.
Head coach Tuomas Iisalo told reporters there’s a “good chance” Morant suits up in London. And NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, speaking Thursday, admitted he was “disappointed” Ja didn’t play in Berlin but understood the caution, adding that he’s still hopeful for Sunday.
If Morant is back, even in a limited role, it changes the entire complexion of the game. His explosiveness, playmaking, and leadership are exactly what Memphis has been missing - and what Orlando will have to game-plan for.
Beyond the Game: Culture, History, and a Whole Lot of Jelly Babies
This London stop isn’t just about basketball - it’s about bringing the full NBA experience to fans across the pond.
The Magic and Grizzlies have embraced the moment. Orlando players sampled British sweets like jelly babies, Turkish delight, and Dairy Milk Fingers.
Both teams took in the sights, posing for photos on the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The Magic’s photo op even got a surprise guest - a tiny dog in a red coat.
Memphis players swung by Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to catch an English Premier League match between Spurs and West Ham United. Meanwhile, Ja Morant looked relaxed and upbeat in team photos, while rookie GG Jackson tried out his best British slang for the cameras.
On the broadcast side, Prime Video has the exclusive stream. Thursday’s game featured Michael Grady on the call, with WNBA legend Candace Parker providing analysis and JayDee Dyer reporting from the sidelines.
Hall of Famers Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash were also in the building for pregame coverage. For halftime on Sunday, the London-based R&B trio FLO will take center stage.
A Look Back: NBA History in the U.K.
This isn’t the league’s first rodeo in London. Since 1993, the NBA has staged multiple preseason and regular-season games in the U.K., all at the O2 Arena since 2011. Some highlights:
- The first regular-season games in London came in 2011, when the Nets and Raptors split a two-game set - including a triple-overtime thriller where Andrea Bargnani dropped 35 points.
- The Knicks, Celtics, Raptors, and Wizards have all made appearances, with the last London game before this season taking place in 2019.
Looking ahead, the NBA is set to play its first regular-season game in Manchester in 2027. That same year, the league is targeting the launch of a European league - with both London and Manchester in the mix as potential franchise cities.
U.K.-Born NBA Scorers: A Quick Roll Call
While the U.K. hasn’t produced a long list of NBA stars, a few names stand out:
- Ben Gordon leads the pack with 11,084 career points.
- James Donaldson follows with 8,203.
- OG Anunoby is still climbing, already at 6,846 and counting.
- Kelenna Azubuike and Nikola Jović round out the list, with Jović still active and adding to his total.
Final Thoughts
Sunday’s game is more than just a regular-season clash - it’s a celebration of basketball’s global reach. From Shaquille O’Neal’s first trip to London with the Magic in 1993 to the current squad sharing laughs over Turkish delight, the NBA continues to build bridges through sport.
Whether Ja Morant plays or not, whether Anthony Black delivers another poster, or whether Banchero keeps rolling, one thing’s clear: the NBA is back in London, and it feels right.
Tip-off at the O2 can’t come soon enough.