Wendell Carter Jr. had an unexpected exchange with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry after the NBA game in London.
When the moment happened, the Orlando Magic forward was speaking to reporters after his team’s loss at the O2 Arena.
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The night ended with several of the biggest stars in basketball and football in attendance.
Carter Jr.’s reaction quickly captured the attention of the internet and added a memorable twist to the NBA’s return to London.
How Wendell Carter Jr. reacted to finding out who Thierry Henry was
In his post-match interview, Carter Jr. was asked if he was aware that French soccer great Thierry Henry was sitting nearby during the game.
Carter Jr. responded: “Who? Who is that?” He later learned that Henry was well-known among European sports fans.
“Oh, that’s great,” he added. “I mean, all the stars that showed up tonight. I think it’s cool.
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“It just goes to show that if you bring a team to London, these guys are going to be on the sidelines. So I think it’s going to be a good thing.”
Carter’s response showed his surprise, but also his appreciation for the many high-profile people attending the event.
Henry is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Arsenal and Premier League history and was one of several football icons in attendance.
Photography: Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images
NBA London game attracts sports stars from both sides of the Atlantic
NBA London returns for the first time since 2019 on Sunday, attracting many from the sports and entertainment worlds.
Premier League players including Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk joined Henry on the sidelines at the O2 Arena.
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Ja Morant, who returned from injury, led the Memphis Grizzlies to a 126-109 victory over the Orlando Magic. He scored 24 points and 13 assists.
Carter Jr. of the Magic scored 18 points and 7 rebounds. Despite the loss, he still showed a strong state.
The game was another sign of basketball’s growing profile in the UK, with top NBA players and football legends now competing on the same stage.
