The New York Knicks closed out their international showcase in style on Saturday, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 112–104 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The victory gave New York a clean sweep of the two-game series and offered a glimpse of both teams’ trajectories heading into the 2025–26 season.
Jalen Brunson looked sharp in his second preseason outing, orchestrating the Knicks’ offense with poise and pace. He finished with 18 points and 7 assists, setting the tone early as New York built a double-digit lead in the first half. Karl-Anthony Towns added 15 points, while Mitchell Robinson once again controlled the glass with 12 rebounds and several emphatic finishes.
“We wanted to come out and play with pace, play with purpose,” Brunson said afterward. “Coach [Mike Brown] has been stressing tempo all camp, and I think you saw flashes of what we can be when we’re moving the ball and trusting each other.”
Philadelphia, still without Joel Embiid and Paul George as they recover from knee surgeries, leaned heavily on Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe. Maxey poured in 21 points, attacking relentlessly in transition, while Edgecombe followed up his solid debut with 17 points and 6 rebounds.
“I’m just trying to learn every possession,” Edgecombe told reporters. “These games are huge for me. I know I’ve got a lot to improve on, but I feel like I belong out there.”
Head coach Nick Nurse praised his young guard’s composure:
“VJ doesn’t shy away from the moment. He’s going to make mistakes, but he competes, and that’s what we need right now.”
One of the biggest takeaways from the series was New York’s depth. Miles McBride chipped in 13 points off the bench, while Jordan Clarkson and Mikal Bridges combined for 20. The Knicks’ second unit consistently stretched the lead whenever they checked in.
Coach Mike Brown emphasized the importance of balance:
“We’re not going to be a team that relies on one guy to carry us. Jalen’s our leader, but we’ve got a lot of guys who can step up on any given night. That’s what makes us dangerous.”
The atmosphere in Abu Dhabi once again highlighted the NBA’s growing international reach. Fans packed Etihad Arena, waving Knicks and Sixers jerseys, and the league’s “NBA District” fan festival continued to draw thousands.
“It’s special,” Mitchell Robinson said. “You look around and see kids in Knicks jerseys halfway across the world; it makes you realize how big this game is.”
The Knicks return to the U.S. with momentum and a clearer sense of their identity under Brown’s new system. The Sixers, meanwhile, will continue to evaluate their young core while awaiting the return of Embiid and George.
Maxey summed up the Sixers’ mindset:
“We’re not making excuses. We’ve got to compete with whoever’s on the floor. When our guys get back, we’ll be ready to roll.”
