New York Knicks Defeat the Philadelphia 76ers In Abu Dhabi Preseason Game

The New York Knicks decided to give their die-hard fans an international treat to start the season, tipping off their preseason slate against the Philadelphia 76ers while most of New York was still debating their lunch order. Playing eight hours ahead in Abu Dhabi, the boys in blue and orange handled their business, cruising to a 99-84 victory in a game that felt more like a dress rehearsal than a high-stakes showdown.

Let’s be real, it’s preseason. The final score matters about as much as a screen door on a submarine. But hey, a win is a win, and the Knicks (now 1-0 in games that don’t count) showed some flashes, even if it came with a side of concern.

Hart’s Heated Exit

The biggest drama of the day came courtesy of the ever-passionate Josh Hart. Already looking like a mummy with a splint on his finger, Hart went down with an apparent leg injury while battling for a rebound. In a moment of pure, unfiltered frustration, he chucked the ball away and was promptly tossed from the game. So, he got injured and ejected in a seven-minute preseason cameo. You can’t make this stuff up. It was a painful, almost comical reminder that even in an exhibition match, Hart’s intensity dial is permanently stuck on eleven.

With OG Anunoby already sidelined with a hand injury, seeing another key hustle player go down (and then get booted) gave every Knicks fan a minor heart palpitation. It is the kind of thing that makes you clutch your chest and whisper, “Please, not already.”

A Glimpse Of the Rotation