Billy Donovan talks about the unique experience of playing in Paris

Most NBA players don't get to travel to Paris, France in the middle of the season. With the regular season in full swing, everyone is focused on winning the next game and then preparing for the next one after that. This season, though, the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons experienced something not many other NBA teams have been able to do — play a game in Paris.

Great for the NBA fans in Paris

Head coach Billy Donovan was not only excited for the players but even more so thrilled for NBA fans that got the rare chance to see a game in Europe. While the NBA regularly schedules games in different countries, this is done in the preseason when the action is usually less competitive. But in the middle of the regular season, Paris was treated to an NBA-level game that was especially important for the Bulls as they continue their playoff push.

“It’s a unique situation coming here and playing,” Donovan said. “I think as a league, when you get a chance to go to a different country and see people that maybe follow the NBA in ways with the time change – and who knows what hours of the morning, flipping on games or taping games – it’s great for people here in Paris to get an up-close look at the NBA. It makes you realize the sport is followed so closely around the world. It was amazing that the place was sold out and the enthusiasm. It was a great experience.’’

DeMar DeRozan & Zach LaVine showed out for the @chicagobulls W in Paris!

DeRozan: 26 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST
LaVine: 30 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST#NBAParis 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/wb1h4fzZk7
— NBA (@NBA) January 20, 2023

Beautiful atmosphere

Thursday's game had a look and feel of an All-Star Game. Plenty of celebrities were on hand to witness the game, such as Magic Johnson, Pharell Williams, Rip Hamilton, Ben Wallace, Joakim Noah, Tony Parker, and the presumptive top pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, the 7-foot-3 Victor Wembanyama.

Wemby x Khaby#NBAParis 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/ahuuOZBRx3
— NBA (@NBA) January 19, 2023

The atmosphere was electric, with a sold-out crowd cheering throughout the game. It was clear from the start that this would be an experience few players and coaches get to have, and Derozan was happy to be part of it.

“Man, it was amazing,” DeMar DeRozan said. “Tonight is one of those games, I know for me, I’m going to look back years and years down the line and realize how great of a moment this was. The atmosphere. Having the commissioner (Adam Silver) here. Having Magic Johnson here. Everybody that was in attendance, it definitely was a beautiful atmosphere and a privilege to be part of this whole thing.”