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ESPN staff 6y

In pictures: Eden Hazard, Antoine Griezmann and Sir Alex Ferguson among famous faces at NBA in London

NBA

The NBA made its now annual visit to London on Thursday, with tickets going for as much as £1,700 on resale sites up until tip-off.

But the great and the good of UK sport and pop culture did not have to worry about that, with looking good on the red carpet the only thing to inconvenience them before they took in the match between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers at London's O2 Arena.

Chelsea star Eden Hazard had welcomed the likes of Joel Embiid to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening, as his side drew 0-0 with Arsenal in the first leg of their EFL Cup semifinal. The favour was returned on Thursday, with Hazard watching on as Embiid of the Sixers received one of the loudest cheers when introduced to the O2 crowd.

There was also a cheeky chat with a Chelsea fan at the end of the game...

Antoine Griezmann -- a long-time target for Manchester United -- watched the game alongside France international teammate and Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette. 

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson seemed to be enjoying the tactical battle between the Celtics and Sixers.

They may not all be club teammates, but footballers Julian Draxler, Ilkay Gundogan, Shkodran Mustafi and Sead Kolasinac put that rivalry aside to join in the pre-match fun courtside.

There was also a hint of Hollywood about the O2 Arena, as James Bond star Naomie Harris took to the red carpet ahead of the game.

Former Germany and Chelsea footballer Michael Ballack is a regular at the NBA games in London, attending once again with girlfriend Natacha Tannous...

... but he also had time for a photo with Arsenal stars old and new -- Robert Pires and Olivier Giroud.

Arsenal players were out in force, with Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal posing for selfies with fans.

There was also representation for the other club in north London, with Tottenham's Christian Eriksen, Eric Dier, Jan Vertonghen and Moussa Dembele watching on.

Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha, centre, took in the action alongside club chairman Steve Parish, right.

Sir Bradley Wiggins, right, was accompanied to the O2 Arena by wife Catherine, left, and son Ben.

Boxer Chris Eubank Jr. sampled the O2 Arena atmosphere as a fan rather than a fighter -- he has boxed (and won) three fights at the same venue during his career.

Rugby quartet James Horwill, Jamie Roberts, Tim Visser and Mat Luamanu brought more sporting prowess to the red carpet.

England rugby international Owen Farrell was another interested spectator in the stands.

Two-time Open champion golfer Padraig Harrington was also part of the 20,000-strong crowd at the O2 Arena.

Leigh-Anne Pinnock, left, and Jesy Nelson of girl band Little Mix enjoyed their courtside seats.

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