PARIS — The visit to the French capital has been filled with iconic sights, exquisite cuisine, and a taste of the local culture for both the Spurs and Pacers. However, motorists in Paris might be taken aback by the driving experience that comes with navigating the city’s bustling streets.

Paris is renowned as the “city of lights” and the “city of love,” but the chaotic traffic can be a shock to visitors. With Fashion Week causing an influx of pedestrians and vehicles, the city is more congested than ever. This has made the journey for the Indiana Pacers to the arena on Thursday an event in itself, as noted by head coach Rick Carlisle, who described the ride as a heart-pounding adventure.

“We were darting in and out, sometimes even finding ourselves on the opposite side of the road,” Carlisle shared. “It’s an incredible experience, unlike anything I’ve ever encountered.” The teams are not navigating this madness alone; they are accompanied by police escorts, complete with flashing lights and sirens, facilitating their prompt arrival.

Mitch Johnson, the acting coach for the Spurs, characterized the rides as “action-packed,” adding that the police display a strong determination to ensure their safe transit. “They work hard to get the job done, and we are grateful for their efforts. It has definitely generated some laughs and provided a few moments of gripping the seat, but they’ve kept us safe,” Johnson remarked.

Carlisle expressed his appreciation for the Parisian police during a pregame press conference, highlighting both the thrill and slight apprehension associated with the experience. He humorously likened the team buses to vehicles in a video game, noting their impressive handling. “These buses are something else, almost like something from a video game like Call of Duty. The drivers treat it with such ease, as if it’s just another leisurely ride,” he added.