The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers touched down in Abu Dhabi on Sept. 29, setting the stage for a two-game preseason set scheduled to open Thursday at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.
The trip marks the fourth straight year the NBA has staged exhibitions in the United Arab Emirates and is one of seven international contests on the league’s preseason and regular-season calendar.
Warm reception on arrival
Both teams were welcomed with traditional songs and refreshments after their flights. Knicks head coach Mike Brown captured the greeting on his phone, while guard Landry Shamet, along with 76ers guards Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr., posed with resident falcons.
Knicks venture into the desert
A day after landing, New York players and alumni traveled to the surrounding dunes. Franchise icon Patrick Ewing and forward OG Anunoby climbed aboard camels for a short trek, and guard Josh Hart balanced a falcon on his arm during the excursion.
Philadelphia’s postcard moment
The 76ers assembled outside the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on Oct. 1 for a team photograph framed by the landmark’s white marble domes. The mosque, named for UAE founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is among the largest in the world.
Golf on foreign greens
Head coach Nick Nurse and newly signed guard Kyle Lowry squeezed in a round, fine-tuning their swings at a local course before returning to practice.
Art session with young fans
Back in the city, Knicks players sat with area children to sketch and color sneaker designs, turning blank templates into personalized artwork.
The Knicks and 76ers meet Thursday in the first of two games at Etihad Arena as the NBA continues its international outreach ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Source: ESPN
