After making it to the NBA Eastern Conference Finals last season for the first time since 2000, the New York Knicks are set for a new season with high hopes. As part of their preseason lineup, they’ll play against the Philadelphia 76ers at Etihad Arena on Yas Island during The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 on October 2 and 4.
The Knicks take their preseason global in Abu Dhabi, featuring a star-studded team led by two-time NBA All-Star Jalen Brunson and five-time NBA All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, with renewed ambitions.
Jalen Brunson, the driving force behind New York’s playoff success last season, averaged 29.4 points, 7.0 assists, and 3.4 rebounds. He consistently excelled in crucial moments, including a game-winning three-pointer against the Detroit Pistons. For the New Jersey native point guard, these preseason games are about both mindset and preparation.
“I think it’s very important. Wherever we are, wherever we play, we should always bring our best,” he stated. “As a leader, I’ve learned that regardless of the situation, just strive to be better than the previous day.”
Speaking to the Knicks’ global fan base, including thousands expected in Abu Dhabi, the 2024–25 NBA Clutch Player of the Year added: “To the fans worldwide, especially Knicks fans, keep believing in us, keep supporting us, and we’ll make it happen.”
Big man Karl-Anthony Towns was pivotal in the line-up, helping the team reach the Eastern Conference Finals last season with strong playoff stats of 21.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. Having participated in the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Towns has fond memories of Abu Dhabi.
“It was amazing – the fans there are incredible,” he shared. “They have immense love for basketball. Bringing NBA Games to them is special for both the fans and us, and they always return the love and energy.”
The Knicks embark on a new chapter under head coach Mike Brown, who joined this off-season after leading the Sacramento Kings back to playoff contention. Brown, who has won championships as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003 and the Golden State Warriors in 2017, 2018, and 2022, makes the Abu Dhabi trip as much about building team relationships as playing games.
