NBA Commissioner Stern: ‘We’re looking forward to coming back’

MANILA, Philippines — NBA Commissioner David Stern on Thursday said he was looking forward to bringing the games back to Manila as the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers faced off in the first ever pre-season match here.

“On behalf of these two great teams it is my great honor to say to you that we’re delighted to be here and we’re looking forward to coming back. Enjoy the game,” NBA Commissioner David Stern, who just arrived earlier, addressed the crowd.

The game between the Rockets and the Pacers, two teams expected to make a lot of noise in the coming season, tipped off at 7:30 pm at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Gates opened at 5 p.m. with fans sporting jerseys and tees of their favorite players whether it be Rockets frontman Dwight Howard, his star teammates James Harden and Jeremy Lin or Pacers star trio of Paul George, Roy Hibbert and David West along with the returning

Danny Granger.

The game is part of the league’s comprehensive NBA Global Games schedule which features 12 teams in 10 cities in seven countries.