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Once the anthem concluded and the ball was finally tipped, attention shifted decisively back to basketball. The game itself delivered the fast pace and athletic intensity fans had hoped for. The Grizzlies controlled much of the contest, executing with confidence and energy, while the Magic fought to keep pace in front of an enthusiastic crowd eager for highlights. Every big play drew cheers, regardless of which team made it, reinforcing the idea that many in attendance were there for the spectacle as much as the score.
By the final buzzer, Memphis emerged with a victory, capping off an entertaining night that reaffirmed the appetite for NBA action in the United Kingdom. Fans lingered after the game, taking photos, debating plays, and savoring the experience of having witnessed top-level basketball without crossing an ocean.
While the brief anthem interruption became a memorable footnote, it ultimately did little to overshadow the event itself. Instead, it served as a reminder that large sporting stages sometimes attract moments of unscripted expression, especially when global audiences are involved. In the end, the defining elements of the evening were athletic performance, shared excitement, and the unmistakable energy of a crowd united by love for the game.
As fans filed out of the O2 Arena, the chatter returned to buzzer-beaters, standout performances, and hopes for the NBA’s next visit to London. The unexpected shout during the anthem would be remembered, replayed, and debated online, but it remained just that—a brief interruption in a night that, at its core, celebrated basketball’s ability to bring people together across borders, cultures, and perspectives.