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There was a buzz in the air before the game, when nine-time NBA All-Star Dominic Wilkins (one of the most acrobatic dunkers in NBA history) was invited to take a lap of honor. The excitement grows day by day. He was followed by Chris Bosh, an acclaimed power forward of his era, but the biggest cheer of the night was reserved for Shaquille O’Neal, who A four-time champion and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame member, and an official ambassador for the 2022 NBA Abu Dhabi Games. Fans used these icons to take photos with the Larry O’Brien Trophy, awarded to the NBA Champion. There was a carnival-like atmosphere on and off the field, and when the game started, the noise reached a deafening level.
Point guard Trae Young said he will put on a dizzying performance for the NBA’s UAE debut and star for the Atlanta Hawks, who led the league in total points and assists last season, the most in 45 years. passed. He kept his word. The No. 11 made a solid transition and proved to be a threat to the Bucks’ defense all night, with his meandering runs delighting the 18,000-strong crowd packed into the expansive field. “When we came to Abu Dhabi, we’ve been trying to build some chemistry in the team,” Yang said. “It’s great here. But we’re here to train and improve for the new season. The more we play together, the more I want it to show on the court.”
Preseason games tend to have a slightly slower pace, as they are designed to get players some crucial minutes on the court and build fitness for the long, grueling season ahead. But not this game. The game is played at 100 km/h from the moment the referee blows the whistle to signal the start of the first quarter of four 12-minute matches.
The friendly won’t have any impact on the regular season or playoffs, but it’s still very competitive, with both teams playing with speed, aggression and a desire to win. They certainly put on a show for the fans, who celebrated every field goal with big cheers and enthusiasm.
Eagles head coach Nate McMillan was able to give his starters time to condense and a chance to evaluate several young players on the fringes of the roster. They’ve all played well, and they’ll give owners a real selection headache in their first game of the season against the Houston Rockets at State Farm Arena on Oct. 20. “I thought it was a great game,” McMillan said. “Both teams are playing well. It’s great to be in Abu Dhabi and have the opportunity to learn about the culture and play some games.”
The Hawks are missing Bogdan Bogdanovic, Jalen Johnson and Trent Forrest, but All-Star point guard Dejounte Murray is in good shape and he’s pulling away , to keep the team in the lead.
The Bucks, voted the favorites to win this season in an annual survey of the league’s 30 general managers, have excelled at the Etihad Stadium. Based on this evidence, they are sure to scrimmage next season and will give the Philadelphia 76ers a serious test when the real action begins on the 21st at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. They rested Giannis Antetokounmpo in their first preseason game against the Memphis Grizzlies, but the two-time MVP showed on Thursday night how important he is to them next season. His ability to keep the crossover low enough to avoid waving all night is impressive. He will be key to their quest for success next season.
The team will do it all again Saturday night, and if the game is as exciting as Thursday night, basketball fans will be in for a real treat.
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