The New York Knicks kicked off their preseason with a gritty 99-84 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, setting the tone for an international doubleheader at Etihad Arena. In a game that felt more like a tune-up than a spectacle, the Knicks leaned on depth and defense to pull ahead, especially after a sluggish start for both sides adjusting to the time zone and heat.
Miles McBride led the way with 12 points, flashing some of that backcourt promise that's been hyped all offseason, while Mitchell Robinson grabbed 16 rebounds to anchor the paint. The Knicks' bench mob turned the tide in the second half, outscoring Philly by double digits as the 76ers struggled with rhythm—Joel Embiid managed just eight points before sitting early, and Paul George looked a step slow in his debut minutes. Indeed, Philadelphia's turnover issues, clocking 18 for the night, handed New York easy looks that they converted at a steady clip.
However, the win came with a sting: Josh Hart left the court late with what appeared to be a minor ankle tweak, a reminder that even preseason can bite back. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau rotated all 19 available players, testing lineups that include newcomers like Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, who both chipped in without forcing the action. For the 76ers, Tyrese Maxey showed flashes of speed, but the overall effort felt disjointed, perhaps a hangover from last season's disappointments.
Moreover, the Abu Dhabi Games continue Saturday with a rematch, where both teams will push harder to iron out kinks before the real season tips in two weeks. The Knicks, buoyed by this overseas success, now look to build momentum without overextending stars like Jalen Brunson, who sat this one out.
As the NBA's global footprint expands, these exhibitions raise questions about balancing spectacle with preparation—will the second game clarify who's truly ahead?