The lesson of the NBA's Detroit Pistons riding the subway to play in New York City

The lesson of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons riding the subway to play in New York City

SportsIn

November 4, 2024

The Detroit Pistons team had a unique and unusual experience last weekend when they were forced to take the New York subway to get to their game against the Brooklyn Nets. The reason was the New York City Marathon, which coincided with the date of the game and resulted in cuts on several streets and avenues in the city, including the access routes to the Nets’ home arena, the Barclays Center. With traffic backed up and the weather against them, the team opted for the subway, an unusual option for NBA players and whose image turned into something positive for both the players and the team. Perhaps it gave them encouragement because the Pistons beat the home team.

The ride on public transportation surprised both the players and the fans who shared a car with them. Dressed in sportswear and backpacks, the players attracted the attention of the passengers, who captured this unforgettable moment on their cell phones. The scene was curious, as it is rare to see sports stars outside the exclusive environment of buses and private cars, especially in a means of transport as public as the subway.

THE NEW YORK MARATHON TOOK PRECEDENCE

The decision to use the subway was quickly made when it became clear that traffic was impossible to navigate due to the marathon shutdowns. The Pistons, like thousands of others, found that subway transportation was the only reliable way to reach their destination on time. The players, accompanied by the coaching staff and some of the team’s personnel, adapted to the change and took the subway demonstrating a practical approach and camaraderie in this situation.

For some players, this experience was even exciting, especially for those who are not used to the urban life of New York. On social networks, several shared videos and photos of the ride, laughing and enjoying this little adventure. Other subway users, surprised by the presence of the players, took the opportunity to ask for autographs and photos, something the team accepted with good humor, showing a unique closeness with the fans.

AN ANECDOTAL AND UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT

Although the situation could have been an inconvenience, the Pistons managed to turn it into an anecdotal and unforgettable moment. And with a positive, worldwide impact. This subway ride will surely remain in the memories of both the players and their fans, who saw a more human side of their idols. For the team, it was a lesson in adaptability and a demonstration that, despite the unexpected, there are ways to arrive on time for their on-field commitment.

As for the New York Marathon, Dutchman Abdi Nageeye, originally from Somalia, won the men’s race with a time of 2:07.39 and Kenyan Sheila Chepkirui won the women’s race with a time of 2.24:35… about the same time it took the subway boys to beat the Brooklyn Nets.