The NBA made its return to the Persian Gulf for the third consecutive year as the 2023-24 preseason schedule kicked off with an exciting matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets in Abu Dhabi. The Celtics emerged victorious with a 107-103 win over the Nuggets in a game that showcased the depth of both teams.
Both teams opted to rest their starters in the second half, providing an opportunity for their bench players to shine. A total of 36 players saw action on the court, with each team utilizing 18 players during the game.
Payton Pritchard led the scoring for the Celtics with 21 points, as the team displayed sharpshooting from beyond the arc, connecting on 20 of 61 three-point attempts. The trio of Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White, who recently won Olympic gold in Paris, contributed a combined 25 points to the Celtics' victory, while Jaylen Brown added eight points.
On the Nuggets' side, reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic put up 14 points, supported by Russell Westbrook with 12 points in his debut with Denver. Michael Porter Jr. also scored 12 points, while Jamal Murray, who saw limited action, finished with three points in 15 minutes of play.
The NBA's partnership with tourism officials in Abu Dhabi, established in 2021, has brought preseason games to the region for the past few years. Following the Celtics-Nuggets matchup, the two teams are set to face off again in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, continuing the tradition of NBA games in the Persian Gulf.
In recent years, Abu Dhabi has become a hub for basketball, hosting not only NBA preseason games but also serving as a venue for USA Basketball's preparations for major international competitions. The city has welcomed top basketball talent, providing a unique opportunity for fans in the region to witness high-level basketball firsthand.
As the NBA continues to expand its global reach, events like the preseason games in Abu Dhabi play a crucial role in promoting the sport and engaging with fans around the world. The exciting matchup between the Celtics and the Nuggets is just the beginning of what promises to be an action-packed NBA season ahead.
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