In the sweltering heat of Etihad Arena, the New York Knicks scraped together a 99-84 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, marking the start of the NBA's preseason swing through Abu Dhabi. It was a gritty affair, far from the polished product fans expect during the regular season, but nonetheless a solid tune-up for both squads. The Knicks, leaning on bench energy, pulled ahead in the second half after a sluggish opening that saw the teams trading blows unevenly.
Miles McBride led the charge for New York with 12 points, five rebounds, and a handful of steals that disrupted Philadelphia's rhythm. Mitchell Robinson dominated the glass, hauling in 16 boards to anchor the defense. Indeed, the Knicks' interior presence proved decisive, as the 76ers struggled to find their footing without much pop from their stars. Joel Embiid sat out, nursing what the team calls routine maintenance, while Paul George watched from the sidelines—precautions that left Philly leaning on unproven depth.
However, the win came at a cost for New York. OG Anunoby remains day-to-day with a nagging issue, sidelining him for the opener and raising eyebrows about the team's early injury luck. The Knicks' overseas debut since 2010 felt more like a survival test than a showcase, with turnovers piling up and shooting percentages dipping below 40% from the field. Still, coach Tom Thibodeau praised the effort, noting how such games build resilience ahead of the grind back home.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, looked disjointed in their first taste of the desert court. Tyrese Maxey flashed some promise with efficient scoring, but the overall output felt flat, a reminder of last season's playoff disappointments. The 76ers' 24-58 record still lingers, and this loss—though preseason—won't ease those concerns. Moreover, the trip's cultural excursions, from camel rides to golf outings, seemed to energize the group off the floor, even if on-court chemistry lagged.
The series continues Saturday with game two, offering both teams a chance to adjust. As the NBA's global footprint expands, these Abu Dhabi matchups highlight the league's push into new markets, blending competition with spectacle. One wonders if this international jaunt will spark something lasting for either franchise, or just serve as a footnote in their preseason slates.