NEW YORK, March 20 (Xinhua) -- The Golden State Warriors will pay their third visit in China in October as the league leaders are to play two preseason games against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the NBA Global Games China 2017.
The Warriors and Timberwolves will play Oct. 5 in Shenzhen at the Shenzhen Universiade Center, followed by a rematch in Shanghai at the Mercedes-Benz Arena on Oct. 8.
The Timberwolves will be playing in China for the first time while the Warriors to have the third trip following visits in 2008 and 2013.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, "We are committed to bringing live NBA games to our passionate and growing fanbase in China. Beyond the action on the court, these visits allow our teams and players to experience a different culture and bond with one another through community service, fan events and involvement in the local community."
NBA Global Games China 2017 will feature a variety of fan activities, including the sixth annual Fan Appreciation Day on Oct. 7 in Shanghai, which will provide thousands of fans with the opportunity to participate in oncourt games and watch the Warriors and Timberwolves practice.
The 2015 NBA Champion Warriors' roster currently features reigning back-to-back NBA MVP Stephen Curry, eight-time NBA All-Star Kevin Durant, three-time NBA All-Star Klay Thompson and two-time NBA All-Star Draymond Green.
Curry said, "I have visited China every year since 2013, and the fans there are incredibly supportive of me, the Warriors and the NBA. I' m excited about the opportunity to return to China, enjoy the country' s culture, and bring the excitement of live NBA games directly to Chinese fans."
Timberwolves' 2016 NBA Rookies of the Year Karl-Anthony Towns said, "It is a great privilege for me and my teammates to play in China for the first time in our franchise' s history. When I visited last summer, I was amazed at the passion that Chinese fans have for the game of basketball. Traveling to China with my teammates and coaches will be a fantastic experience."
13 NBA teams have played at the China Games in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc. since the event was launched in 2004.