The NBA is holding international games this weekend with the Golden State Warriors facing off against the Washington Wizards in Tokyo, Japan.
These games are a very big deal for the international outreach of the league and the prominence the sport has in every country.
But before the pivotal games and all the viewers enjoying them, players from both teams are having a blast exploring and enjoying Japanese culture.
Was he doing this in socks? 😳
(via @nba) pic.twitter.com/PFCeddZDAH
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 29, 2022
Both Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson attempted to square off against a traditional sumo wrestler after landing in Japan.
While both Curry and Thompson are two of the best athletes in the entire world, they had their work cut out for them against this wrestling pro.
The man was in socks and he didn’t budge at all on the hardwood floor as Curry and then Thompson attempted to move him.
It was obviously a humbling moment for both Warriors stars and definitely a humorous event for fans to enjoy.
But it was also a big deal for the NBA and its plan to continue to spread.
Staying Golden In Japan
Japanese media has been all over Curry, Thompson, the Warriors, and the Wizards since they touched down in Tokyo.
And the NBA has been very enthusiastic and supportive of all the attention.
These games are essentially a great way for the league to find more fans all over the globe and perhaps even create a few more international superstars for the future.
The NBA is putting a lot of effort into international games, like these in Japan and a few in Mexico later in the season.
So while it is fun to see two Warriors icons have fun with a sumo wrestler, it’s also a pretty sleek marketing move.
NEXT: The Warriors Are Taking Their Talents Abroad