This archive report was first published on 11 October 2019.
On October 4, 2019, a tweet by Daryl Morey, the general manager of the Houston Rockets, ignited a firestorm in both China and the United States. The seven-word message, which expressed support for Hong Kong's antigovernment protests, was seen as a provocation by Beijing.
The tweet, which read 'Fight for Freedom, Stand with Hong Kong,' was a simple yet powerful expression of solidarity with the protesters. However, it was enough to trigger a backlash from the Chinese government, which has long been sensitive to any perceived criticism of its policies.
As the controversy unfolded, it became clear that the tweet had exposed a deep-seated tension between the N.B.A. and the Chinese government. The league, which has a lucrative partnership with the Chinese Basketball Association, had long been aware of the risks of offending Beijing. But the tweet had crossed a line, and the consequences were severe.
On October 7, 2019, the Chinese government announced that it would suspend all N.B.A. games in the country, citing the need to 'protect the feelings of the Chinese people.' The move was a clear warning to the league: do not cross us again.
As the N.B.A. struggled to navigate the crisis, it became clear that the controversy was not just about a tweet. It was about the unspoken rules of doing business with Beijing, and the risks that come with offending the Chinese government.
