The NBA was determined to bring the whole entertainment package to China, and a vast entourage ensured that each event was an exact replica of any US game -- complete with slick cheerleaders and team mascots to whip up the crowd.

The league's merchandise is now sold in 50,000 outlets in China, with Yao Ming only the sixth best-selling jersey behind Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.

The NBA expects sales to grow 50 percent in 2007.

The financial rewards are clear but, with the regular season starting on October 30, the long trip to China was not welcomed by all.

Magic coach Stan Van Gundy stressed how tired his players were, and the effect that the tour has on the two teams will be closely watched in the coming weeks.

Heidi Ueberroth, NBA president of global marketing, said that the effort had been worthwhile.

"We received a really warm reception from the fans in both cities, who told us that they felt part of the experience and that it was a fun and interactive event," she said.

"We wanted to provide fans in China with a chance to experience an authentic NBA event. The enthusiasm from the fans was incredible, as is their passion for the game."

The NBA's ambitions in China have caused some friction, and Ueberroth stressed that the US league wanted to work in cooperation with China's domestic basketball authorities

"Adding a third game against Team China gave the event an added dimension and culminated a year of successful collaboration between the NBA and the China Basketball Association on joint basketball development," she said.

【体坛英语资讯：NBAs spectacular China games just the tip-off】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Mira Nair to helm Hilary Swank starred Amelia

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lohans ex bodyguard blames parents for her wild behaviour

★ 体坛英语资讯：Rooneys return perfectly timed for United

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Nicole Richie quickly sprung from jail

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Uma Thurman may testify in stalker trial

★ 体坛英语资讯：Yi starts new life in Milwaukee

★ 体坛英语资讯：Another big shots out, coach says worlds lose meaning

★ 体坛资讯：China race into Sudirman Cup final

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Mischa Barton arrested in W. Hollywood

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Im ba-ack, Aniston tells Harpers and the world