The New York Knicks kicked off their preseason with a gritty 99-84 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, but the win came at a cost. Playing under the bright lights of Etihad Arena, the Knicks leaned on balanced scoring to pull ahead, though the absence of key players loomed large from the start. Miles McBride led with 12 points, while Mitchell Robinson grabbed 16 rebounds in a performance that highlighted New York's frontcourt depth. For the 76ers, it was a sluggish outing, marked by turnovers and missed opportunities that echoed some of last season's frustrations.
However, the real story emerged in the second quarter when Josh Hart went down with what appeared to be a lower-body injury while chasing a rebound. He limped off and didn't return, leaving coaches and fans alike holding their breath. The Knicks were already without OG Anunoby, sidelined by a hand issue, so this latest setback adds another layer of uncertainty as training camp ramps up. Indeed, preseason games like this one are meant to build chemistry, yet injuries have a way of derailing even the best-laid plans.
This matchup marked the first of two exhibitions in the UAE as part of the NBA's ongoing Abu Dhabi Games, now in its fourth year. The series draws attention to the league's global ambitions, bringing East Coast rivals to a desert venue thousands of miles from Madison Square Garden or the Wells Fargo Center. Players from both sides took time for cultural dips—Knicks legends rode camels, while 76ers stars hit the golf course—offering a brief respite before the grind. Still, with the regular season tipping off on October 21, these games feel more pivotal than ever, especially for a Knicks squad eyeing a deep playoff run and a 76ers team rebuilding around familiar faces.
Moreover, the 99-84 final score doesn't tell the full tale of a contest that stayed close until the fourth quarter, when New York's defense clamped down. Tyrese Maxey chipped in for Philly, but the team shot just under 40 percent from the field. As both franchises adjust to new rosters and strategies, one can't help but wonder how these early tests in an exotic locale will shape the months ahead.