Nets to play in London vs. Hawks in January

The Brooklyn Nets will travel to London to play the Atlanta Hawks at the 02 Arena on January 16th, as part of the NBA’s Global Games initiative.

“It is always an honor to represent the league overseas,” Nets guard Deron Williams said in a statement. “Playing in London has a playoff-like intensity, and the energy in the building is great for the players on both teams. It should be very exciting.”

“We are very excited to once again represent the NBA in London,” added Brooklyn Nets General Manager Billy King. “The fans have always been very supportive, and we look forward to once again entertaining them with Brooklyn Nets basketball.”

The Nets — and Williams — last played overseas on March 4th and 5th, 2011, also at the 02 Arena in London, winning both games against the Toronto Raptors. Both games were considered “home”games for the Nets, meaning they only had 39 true home games in that season. The team ended up winning both games, kicking off a 5-game win streak, the only winning streak longer than two games for that year’s 24-58 squad.

Barclays Center confirmed that the game would count as an away game for the Nets, meaning that the Nets still have 41 home games at Barclays Center (plus playoffs).

Tickets go on sale in October.