The Chicago Bulls claimed a 126-108 victory over the Detroit Pistons in front of an all-star crowd at the Accor Arena in Paris. The French capital hosted the NBA’s first game in Europe since 2020, with fans treated to a dominant display by the Bulls.
Zach LaVine led the scoring with 30 points, while teammate DeMar DeRozan added 26 on his return from injury. For the Pistons, Bojan Bogdanovic finished with 25 points in a losing effort.
NBA Stars Shine in Paris Showcase
The contest drew a glittering audience of celebrities and sporting icons, including musician Pharrell Williams, former Barcelona footballer Gerard Piqué, and Formula 1 drivers Pierre Gasly and Charles Leclerc. NBA great Earvin “Magic” Johnson was also present courtside.
French prodigy Victor Wembanyama, widely tipped to be the number one pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, was among the most anticipated attendees. The 19-year-old, who plays for Metropolitans 92 in France, has already been linked with the Pistons. Meanwhile, Detroit’s French guard Killian Hayes was warmly welcomed by the Parisian crowd during player introductions.
Bulls Take Control Early
Chicago made a strong start and maintained control throughout the game. Seven Bulls players reached double figures, with Derrick Jones Jr standing out for his athletic dunks. The victory keeps Chicago 10th in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Pistons remain at the bottom of the 15-team table.
Celtics Edge Warriors in Overtime Thriller
Elsewhere in the NBA, the Boston Celtics extended their winning streak to eight games with a 121-118 overtime victory against the Golden State Warriors. Jayson Tatum scored 34 points to lead the Eastern Conference leaders. The Warriors, the defending champions, currently sit ninth in the Western Conference.
The Paris matchup highlighted the NBA’s continued commitment to global expansion, drawing fans from across Europe for a showcase of talent, entertainment, and star power both on and off the court.
