In the sweltering heat of Etihad Arena, the New York Knicks scraped out a narrow victory against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, kicking off the NBA's Abu Dhabi preseason series with a mix of promise and concern. The final score landed at 118-112 in favor of the Knicks, but the win came at a cost as forward Josh Hart left the court early with what appeared to be a nagging ankle tweak. Hart, a gritty staple in New York's rotation, had been logging solid minutes before the incident, underscoring the risks of these international exhibitions.
The game itself unfolded in fits and starts, with both teams testing lineups ahead of the regular season grind. For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson orchestrated the offense smoothly, dropping 22 points and showing why he's the engine of this squad. On the other side, the 76ers leaned on Tyrese Maxey's quicksilver drives, though the absence of stars like Joel Embiid—still easing back from offseason tweaks—left Philadelphia's frontcourt looking vulnerable. Indeed, the Sixers' defense faltered in the fourth quarter, allowing New York to pull away just when it seemed the matchup might drag into overtime. Moreover, turnovers plagued Philly throughout, a reminder that preseason rust isn't shed overnight.
This Abu Dhabi doubleheader, now in its fourth year, aims to globalize the NBA's reach, drawing crowds to Yas Island for these October tilts. The Knicks arrived with high hopes after a solid summer, while the 76ers, rebuilding around their young core, used the opener to experiment. However, Hart's potential sidelining casts a shadow; reports suggest it's not serious, but in a league where depth matters, such scares hit hard. The teams reconvene Saturday for game two, where adjustments could shift the narrative entirely.
Beyond the box score, these overseas games highlight the NBA's expanding footprint, blending sport with spectacle in unexpected locales. Yet one wonders if the travel and unfamiliarity truly prepare players for the marathon ahead, or merely add to the preseason chaos.