The Knicks opened the preseason with a 99-84 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday afternoon as part of the NBA’s Abu Dhabi Games.
These exhibition matchups don’t mean much, but for the Knicks, it does present an opportunity to make a positive first impression on new head coach Mike Brown.
Two players who were able to do that: Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride.
Robinson already looked in regular season form as he jumped into the starting five alongside Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Pacome Dadiet, and Karl-Anthony Towns.
The big man dominated the glass all day, reeling in a game-high 16 boards across his 18 minutes.
Brown called him the Defensive Player of the Game, and he also finished with seven points on 3-of-6 shooting.
“That’s what I’ve been doing the whole time I’ve been in New York,” Robinson said. “I’m just continuing doing what I was doing last year and the year before, it’s been the same mentality all along — just going hard to the glass.”
Preseason game 1 Mitchell Robinson
pic.twitter.com/2KumChrHN8— Teg🚨 (@IQfor3) October 2, 2025
As expected, McBride didn’t get the start, but he was one of the first reserves to enter.
Playing alongside Jalen Brunson and newcomer Jordan Clarkson in a new three-guard look, the youngster came on late in the first quarter and immediately provided a spark.
He knocked down his first three shots for eight quick points.
McBride went on to lead the team with 12 points on five-of-seven shooting (2-for-4 from three) while also reeling in five rebounds, dishing a pair of assists, and picking up a game-best three steals across 21 minutes of action.
His plus-11 rating finished third on the team, only behind Ariel Hukporti and Landry Shamet.
“It’s the preseason, so we’re just trying to get one percent better every day,” McBride said. “I just wanted to come in today and make my presence felt out there — just looking to impact winning in any way that I can.”
It is just one preseason game, but it was certainly a strong start for two of New York’s key pieces.
DEEEUUUUCCCCEEEEEEE pic.twitter.com/C8oylwucs8
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 2, 2025