The thread started with a simple clip and a short quote from Devin Booker in Macao. His remarks highlighted the incredible support he receives from Devin Booker China fans. He praised the people who came to watch, and the internet went to work. Some tried to drag the talk toward governments. Most kept it on fans. One voice summed it up with a gentle nudge to chill. “Booker isn’t thinking about the Chinese or US government. He sees the fans and how they like basketball.” A fan said that, and it set the tone.
What Booker Meant: Speak To People, Not Power
Booker’s words landed during the NBA’s first return to China since 2019. The Suns and Nets played 2 preseason games in Macao as part of the NBA China Games 2025. He did not wade into politics. He talked about people and the way the arena sounded. In his own words, “We have a big fan base out here in China.” He added that being there in person could inspire the next wave of players.
The arena felt like proof. The NBA built a week of fan events around the games. There were open practices, community visits, brand pop ups, and media sessions. Booker even connected with a local superfan known as “China Booker,” and gifted him a China only color of his shoe. That is not a press release tone. That is one player putting time into a person.
“We have a big fan base out here in China.”
— Devin Booker, in Macao.
Not every comment online was warm. A few said it was only business. “translation = i love money.” Another voice wrote that old grievance lines should have canceled the moment. But most people kept steering back to the stands. The night was about who showed up and what they felt.
Why The Cheers Sound Different: Culture, Joy, And A Real Basketball City
Many fans shared first hand stories. “Used to live in China. Chinese are some of the most passionate NBA fans out there. Incredibly knowledgeable about the sport.” A fan said that, and another added that Asian crowds often applaud skill across sports, from a hard pitch to a clean takedown. Another fan talked about energy. “China always has amazing stadium vibes for sports.”
The bigger setting mattered. The league called this return a “big deal,” and local coverage underlined why. Broadcast partners were in place. The arena was full. A 6 year gap ended with 2 games that sounded like a release. Even the NBA feed showed Booker soaking it in before tip and again after the opener.
There is business here. That is true. There is also something you cannot fake. A player meets a superfan and hands over shoes that only drop in China. A full building roars for layups and footwork, not just dunks. The simplest read is the cleanest one. Booker talked about people. He saw who was in front of him. And they saw him back.
Front row energy everywhere I go. Chasing championships and good times. 🏆🏁✨
