The New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 98–84 on Thursday night (2 October) at Etihad Area on Yas Island, kicking off the NBA Abu Dhabi Video games 2025 offered by ADQ. The matchup marked the 76ers’ first-ever look within the area and gave followers an unforgettable night of high-energy basketball.
Celebrities in attendance included Kiefer Sutherland, Steve Harvey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Nadine Nassib Njeim, standard American YouTuber Jesser, and world streetball icon The Professor, amongst others. The occasion additionally featured leisure performances throughout timeouts and halftime, highlighted by rapper Fats Joe.
The Knicks secured a powerful first preseason win, led by Miles McBride with 12 factors and Mitchell Robinson with 16 rebounds. Philadelphia was paced by 14 factors every from Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe, the third total choose in the newest draft, who made his unofficial NBA debut.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown praised his crew’s defensive progress, saying: “Similar to I’m positive Philadelphia feels, we consider our ceiling is actually excessive. It was the primary time on the market for each groups, however I’ve obtained to present our guys credit score. As the sport went alongside, we improved on the issues we’ve been engaged on in coaching camp, The fellows did job of serving to after which recovering to their man.”
76ers head coach Nick Nurse spoke extremely of rookie VJ Edgecombe following his NBA preseason debut: “I actually favored his protection, particularly within the first half. He’s a terrific athlete and was making issues troublesome — getting over screens, leaping into passing lanes, making use of ball stress. He even confirmed some defensive rebounding and shot-blocking skill. For a younger participant going up in opposition to skilled NBA guys, he took on the problem and impressed me along with his quickness and physicality.”
Edgecombe, who completed the sport with 14 factors, six rebounds, and three assists, mirrored on his first look: “General, it’s a dream come true. First time on the ground, it felt good.”
The 2 groups will face off once more on Saturday, 4 October at Etihad Area. NBA Abu Dhabi Video games 2025 offered by ADQ is a part of the continued partnership between the Division of Tradition and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the NBA.