Knicks Close Out NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 with Back-to-Back Wins
Abu Dhabi, October 4, 2025 — The New York Knicks wrapped up their Abu Dhabi trip in style, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 113–104 in the second of two preseason matchups at the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025, presented by ADQ.
A sold-out Etihad Arena crowd witnessed two of the NBA’s most storied franchises bring their rivalry to the Gulf region for the first time, marking another milestone in the league’s growing global presence.
Dominant Performances and Debut Highlights
The Knicks showcased a balanced and confident performance to seal back-to-back victories.
-
OG Anunoby impressed in his debut with 13 points.
-
Mitchell Robinson dominated the boards, controlling the paint throughout the game.
-
Jalen Brunson added 14 points, guiding the team’s rhythm and composure on both ends of the floor.
Together, their efforts capped off a strong showing for New York, setting an optimistic tone for the upcoming NBA season.
An Electric Night in Etihad Arena
The atmosphere inside Etihad Arena was electric, as thousands of passionate fans and international celebrities filled the venue.
Notable attendees included:
Noel Robinson, Ranveer Singh, Central Cee, Victoria Justice, Adrien Brody, Chenle and WINWIN, The Professor, Ciryl Gane, and Badshah.
Adding to the local excitement, Arabic stars such as Siilawy, Tul8te, Nour Al Ghandour, and Maguy Bou Ghos were also in attendance, highlighting the UAE’s vibrant blend of cultures and entertainment appeal.
Coaches Reflect on the Abu Dhabi Experience
76ers Head Coach Nick Nurse praised the week’s work and the unique experience:
“It was great. There were a couple of things I really wanted to achieve and enjoyed from both a coaching perspective and a basketball standpoint. We had a really good week of work, and from tonight’s game we saw a lot of positive things, including several of the areas we’ve been focusing on improving.”
Knicks Head Coach Mike Brown also expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and productive trip:
“It was a great trip. We really enjoyed it – the people here were very welcoming, and we couldn’t have asked for a better environment to spend time with our families and each other. We got a lot out of the trip. Now we’ll go home, regroup, and keep trying to get a little better every day.”
Players Embrace Global Basketball Spirit
Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson shared his enthusiasm about the experience in the UAE:
“Playing here was great. The experience was amazing. Seeing the fans and being able to do what we do on the court while also having fun off the court made it a really special bonding experience for us. I’m just happy we were able to come away with a couple of wins.”
Abu Dhabi: A Global Hub for Sports and Entertainment
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games continue to position the emirate as a leading destination for world-class sports events. The annual event is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader year-round calendar of international tournaments and entertainment showcases, drawing fans from across the globe and strengthening the city’s reputation as a global basketball and cultural hub.
