NBA Preseason Shines in Abu Dhabi as Knicks Top 76ers – Azat TV

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The Knicks defeated the 76ers 99–84 in Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena.Philadelphia struggled from three-point range, hitting just 3-for-35.Key Sixers players Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Jared McCain were absent.Mitchell Robinson grabbed 16 rebounds for New York in 18 minutes.The game was broadcast globally, highlighting NBA’s international reach.NBA Takes Center Stage in Abu Dhabi

There was a new kind of energy in Abu Dhabi this October as the city’s Etihad Arena hosted the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers for the second of their 2025 NBA preseason openers. Far from the familiar raucous of Madison Square Garden or the Wells Fargo Center, the players stepped onto a different stage — one that reflects basketball’s growing global reach.

Knicks’ Depth and Rebounding Make the Difference

The Knicks, coming off a confident 99–84 win in Thursday’s opener, showcased a balanced attack and an aggressive presence on the glass. Their effort was anchored by Miles McBride, who contributed 12 points and five rebounds, and Mitchell Robinson, who pulled down an impressive 16 rebounds in just 18 minutes of action. The team’s new addition, Jordan Clarkson, made his debut with nine points, hinting at the depth New York hopes to leverage this season.

Philadelphia, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm — particularly from beyond the arc, hitting just 3 of their 35 three-point attempts. With stars Joel Embiid, Paul George, and rookie Jared McCain unavailable, the Sixers leaned on Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe, both of whom managed 14 points each. But their efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Knicks’ cohesion and physical play inside.

Coaching Philosophy on Display

The preseason, by its nature, is a time for experimentation and growth, and Knicks head coach Mike Brown wasted no time unveiling his vision. The Knicks displayed more fluid ball movement, increased their three-point attempts (firing up 39 in total), and frequently blended veterans with younger players in their rotations. The result was a team that looked energetic and well-prepared, even if the roster is still settling.

For the Sixers, the absence of some key names was felt. Their offense looked stagnant at times, and they found it difficult to keep up with the Knicks’ pace and physicality. Still, the preseason is less about the final score and more about development — and the game offered Philadelphia’s younger players valuable minutes on an international stage.

Global Spotlight: Abu Dhabi’s NBA Moment

Hosting the NBA preseason in Abu Dhabi is more than just a scheduling quirk. It’s a sign of the league’s ambitions to expand its reach and engage with fans far beyond North America. For local spectators, seeing teams like the Knicks and 76ers in person is a rare treat — and a reminder that the NBA’s influence is truly worldwide.

The Etihad Arena was alive with anticipation as the teams tipped off at 11:00 AM Eastern, with the game broadcast on NBA TV and MSG in New York. For fans eager to watch from afar, various streaming options like NBA League Pass and free trials from services such as DIRECTV Stream, Fubo TV, and YouTube TV made the game accessible to a global audience.

Key Moments and On-Court Drama

No preseason game is complete without a little drama. The Knicks’ Josh Hart provided a scare when he landed hard after fighting for a rebound, ultimately being ejected after throwing the ball into the stands in frustration. The team later clarified that Hart was dealing with lower back soreness, and his status is listed as day-to-day. It’s a reminder that even early-season contests carry real stakes for players fighting for roles and roster spots.

While the Knicks controlled the pace and the boards, Philadelphia’s shooting woes defined their night. Going 3-for-35 from three-point range is a stat that’s hard to ignore, even in a game that doesn’t count in the standings. For the Sixers, the challenge will be finding ways to generate offense while missing key contributors.

What’s Next for the Teams?

With the NBA preseason schedule packed — as noted by Associated Press — both teams will use these overseas games as building blocks for their regular season campaigns. The Knicks’ mix of established veterans and promising new faces looks promising, while the Sixers will hope to get healthy and build chemistry before the games really start to matter.

The international setting also gives younger players a taste of the NBA’s wider ambitions. For rookies like VJ Edgecombe, performing on a stage like Abu Dhabi’s is both a challenge and an opportunity — one that could pay dividends as the season unfolds.

NBA’s Global Push Continues

This preseason showcase in Abu Dhabi is just one piece of a larger puzzle. The NBA continues to schedule international games, aiming to build lasting connections with fans across continents. From Paris to Shanghai, and now the United Arab Emirates, basketball’s global journey is only accelerating.

For fans in Abu Dhabi and viewers worldwide, the Knicks–76ers clash was more than a warm-up — it was a celebration of the sport’s universal appeal.

In the end, this preseason meeting in Abu Dhabi was about more than the score. It was a glimpse of the NBA’s future, where the league’s stars and storylines resonate from New York to the Gulf. For the Knicks, the win is a promising sign of their depth and style under Coach Brown. For the 76ers, it’s a reminder of the challenges ahead — and the opportunities that come from playing on basketball’s expanding global stage.