Abu Dhabi Showdown: Knicks vs. 76ers Kick Off NBA’s Global Preseason Tour
29 septembre 2025
Abu Dhabi Kickoff: Knicks vs 76ers in the NBA’s Global Preseason
Two of the NBA’s marquee franchises, the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers, clash at Union Arena on Yas Island as part of the NBA in Abu Dhabi 2025, presented by the Holding Group, with two preseason games scheduled for October 2 and October 4 to gear up for the new season.
Brunson and Towns Lead a Star-Studded Knicks
New York returns with high hopes after reaching last season’s Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000, and Brunson and Towns will headline a lineup built around two multiple-time All-Stars in a global showcase.
Brunson shone in the team’s recent run, averaging impressive numbers and delivering clutch moments, while earning recognition for his late-game impact in the 2024-2025 season. The preseason serves as a vital opportunity to cement a winning mindset and strong chemistry with new and returning teammates.
Brunson stresses the necessity of starting each season with intent and showing the best version of the team on every court, highlighting the importance of leadership and perseverance in overcoming obstacles and improving with every game.
He also sent a message to Knicks fans worldwide and in Abu Dhabi to stay confident and supportive, underscoring that the team will deliver collective effort and excitement on the court.
Townes has been pivotal for the Knicks, contributing to last season’s push with strong scoring and rebounding in the playoffs, underscoring the role of this year’s edition in boosting the team’s cohesion. He recalled the value of Abu Dhabi as a basketball destination and the significance of the city’s enthusiasm for the sport.
Under the guidance of coach Mike Brown, the Knicks are aiming to build a robust locker room and elevate their on-court dynamics, drawing on Brown’s track record with other franchises and a reputation for instilling competitive discipline.
Townes says the Abu Dhabi chapter is as much about strengthening team spirit as it is about competition, describing the trip as a golden opportunity to deepen bonds while gaining valuable experiences under new leadership.
As the Knicks and Sixers prepare to deliver engaging showings in Abu Dhabi, the emirate hosts events that mirror NBA-level competition, celebrating the global reach and appeal of basketball and offering fans a rare opportunity to witness elite talent up close in the Middle East.
Both teams feature a stacked roster, with the Knicks highlighted by Brunson and Towns alongside versatile pieces such as Mikal Bridges, while the Sixers counter with a potent mix led by Joel Embiid, supported by Tyrese Maxey and other elite talents, forming a formidable challenge on the floor.
The matchup has quickly become one of the UAE’s most anticipated sports events, drawing fans from across the region and beyond, attracted by the presence of NBA stars and a showcase of talent and expertise that underscores basketball’s growing footprint in the area.
With a strong local and international audience, the games are set to deliver a high-octane blend of skill, energy, and strategy, as two of the league’s most popular franchises test their chemistry in a new climate and venue.
Punchline 1: If the Knicks start slow, at least the popcorn is already in mid-season form.
Punchline 2: In Abu Dhabi, even the basketballs travel with passports—talk about distributed travel budgets.
