‘Couldn’t have asked for a better environment,’ says New York Knicks coach after back-to-back wins at Abu Dhabi Games 2025

The New York Nicks recorded back-to-back wins over the Philadelphia 76ers at the Abu Dhabi Games 2025. (Supplied)
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  • Mike Brown’s team claim a 113–104 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in the second of 2 preseason matchups

ABU DHABI: The New York Knicks’ coach Mike Brown said his team had “a great trip” after they wrapped up the second of two preseason matchups at the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 with a 113–104 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.

The Knicks’ performance at Etihad Arena was led by OG Anunoby’s 13-point debut, Mitchell Robinson’s dominance on the boards, and 14 points from Jalen Brunson, which secured back-to-back wins.

Brown said: “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 with each other.

“I thought we got a lot out of the trip. Now we’ll go home, regroup, and keep trying to get a little better every day.”

The 76ers’ head coach Nick Nurse said: “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.”

The Knicks’ point guard Brunson said: “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.”