The New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 99-84 in their 2025-26 preseason opener at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena on Thursday.
Philadelphia played without stars Joel Embiid and Paul George as the team sought to integrate new additions and evaluate young talent.
Rookie VJ Edgecombe led the Sixers with 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while Tyrese Maxey added 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists.
Philadelphia struggled from three-point range, finishing 3-of-35, and Dominick Barlow contributed six points with 10 rebounds in the loss. Hunter Sallis chipped in eight points, and Kelly Oubre Jr. added eight points, four rebounds, and three assists.
The Knicks received balanced scoring from their starters, with Karl-Anthony Towns posting 11 points and seven free throws, Mikal Bridges scoring 10 points, and Mitchell Robinson recording seven points and 16 rebounds.
Miles McBride led the Knicks bench with 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting, while Jordan Clarkson contributed nine points and Garrison Mathews added nine points, including three three-pointers.
Philadelphia kept the game close in the first quarter, tying the Knicks 25-25, but New York pulled away in the second and third quarters, outscoring the Sixers 56-32 during that span.
The Sixers briefly rallied in the fourth quarter, scoring 27 points, but the Knicks held on behind consistent contributions from their starters and bench.
Attendance for the preseason opener was 11,983, with officials Tre Maddox, Justin Van Duyne, and Jonathan Sterling overseeing the game.
