The NBA preseason kicked off in Abu Dhabi this Thursday, featuring a matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks. Although anticipation built around the game, early rust and missed opportunities were evident as teams sought to find their rhythm.
Game Summary
The NBA preseason commenced in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, showcasing a matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks. While the game promised excitement on paper, expectations for a high-octane performance were tempered by the chaos typically associated with preseason play.
Inconsistent shooting was a highlight, with the teams combining for just 11 successful three-pointers out of 74 attempts, and a total of 37 turnovers and 50 fouls throughout the game. Despite a lack of scoring finesse, the Knicks controlled the game, dominating the second and third quarters with scores of 28-18 and 28-14, respectively, ultimately winning the contest 99-84.
New Coaching Strategy Pays Off
The victory marked a successful debut for new head coach Mike Brown, who was keen to experiment with various player combinations, including pairing Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson in the paint. Early indicators suggest a transformative style of play for the Knicks, prioritizing ball movement and a faster pace, a shift from the more predictable tactics employed under Tom Thibodeau. Although adjusting to this new system will take time, initial signs are promising.
However, the game was not without its setbacks; Josh Hart exited the contest early due to injury, compounded by an ejection for tossing the ball into the stands after he went down—a less-than-ideal situation for a preseason match.
Rookie Highlights
V.J. Edgecombe, the third overall pick by the 76ers, shone brightly in his debut, scoring 14 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and dishing out 3 assists in 31 minutes of play. His natural scoring ability and knack for facilitating plays suggest he will be a fan favorite in Philadelphia this season.
On the Knicks side, there was a surprise appearance from Pacôme Dadiet, who stepped into a starting role due to an injury to OG Anunoby. Although he made a notable contribution with an early and-one play, he struggled to find his footing, finishing with only 4 points from 15 minutes on the floor.
Guerschon Yabusele also faced challenges, scoring zero points in 12 minutes, while Mohamed Diawara saw limited action toward the end of the game, finishing with 0 points and 3 rebounds.
Noteworthy Performances
Fans caught some exciting plays during the game; Mikal Bridges continued to show his intensity, reinforcing his commitment to performance regardless of the preseason status. Meanwhile, Deuce McBride’s impressive showing drew comparisons to NBA superstar Dirk Nowitzki, stirring excitement about the Knicks’ potential.
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