The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 presented by ADQ and featuring defending NBA champions the Boston Celtics and 2023 winners the Denver Nuggets, is set to be a landmark event for the UAE capital. With the two preseason clashes scheduled for October 4 and October 6 at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Nuggets Head Coach Michael Malone sees the fast-approaching games as a huge opportunity for his franchise both on and off the court.
In a recent media conference, Coach Malone expressed his anticipation for the games and the cultural exchange that comes with playing outside the United States. “This is something I’ve been hoping to participate in for many years,” he said. “The chance for the Denver Nuggets to travel to Abu Dhabi and be part of something so special is something we’re all very excited about.”
Facing the Celtics: A Measure of Growth
Coach Malone is particularly focused on the challenge of facing the Boston Celtics, the 18-time NBA champions. “Anytime you have a chance to play against the best, it’s a great way to measure yourself and see where you stand,” he said, acknowledging the strength of the Celtics and their world-class roster. “It’s not just about the two games – we’re eager to embrace the culture, meet wonderful people, and give back to the community in any way we can.”
The significance of these games goes beyond just preseason preparation. For Malone, the matchups against the Celtics will provide an important barometer for his team’s readiness as they prepare for a new season, especially given it is against the defending champions. More importantly, however, the trip represents an opportunity for the Nuggets to connect with a global fanbase and to give back through activities such as coaching clinics – something the team is particularly passionate about.
The Challenge of Repeating Success
Despite the pressures, Malone praised his team’s resilience, acknowledging how their early playoff exit last season fuelled a desire to come back stronger. “Losing to Minnesota Timberwolves was devastating, but it also gave us an opportunity to reflect and find ways to get better,” he added. “Our goal is to experience that success again, and the NBA Abu Dhabi Games will be an important step in that journey.”
As the countdown to the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 begins, it’s clear the event represents much more than just preseason basketball. The upcoming games will also provide an opportunity for the Nuggets to not only showcase their talent in a new international market, but also to further develop team chemistry as new players like Russell Westbrook and Dario Šarić are integrated into the squad. “It’s all about coming together as a family and attacking this new season with everything we’ve got,” Malone added.
Building Basketball in the Middle East: A Long-term Vision
When asked about the impact of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games on the local basketball community, Coach Malone expressed hope that these games would inspire young talent in the region and contribute to the growth of the sport. “I hope we see a player from the Middle East or the GCC playing in the NBA one day,” he said. “Basketball unifies people, no matter where you’re from, and that’s what makes this league so unique.”
In addition to playing games, Malone highlighted the importance of the Nuggets’ outreach efforts, including coaching clinics aimed at fostering young talent and developing local coaches. “Our hope is that we can come over, teach some fundamentals, and help coaches in Abu Dhabi learn things that we do in the NBA. With good coaching and strong fundamentals, young players will have the chance to mature and develop, and hopefully, we’ll see them in the NBA in the future.”
The NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi had announced return of “NBA Fan Appreciation Day in Abu Dhabi” and “NBA District”, two interactive fan events that will take place in October in conjunction with The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 presented by ADQ. “NBA Fan Appreciation Day in Abu Dhabi” will take place at Etihad Arena on Saturday, October 5 at 4.30pm. The weekend-long NBA District will return to Manarat Al Saadiyat for the third consecutive year from October 3-6.
Tickets for The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 presented by ADQ are on sale at etihadarena.ae and ticketmaster.ae, while tickets for “NBA Fan Appreciation Day in Abu Dhabi” and “NBA District” areavailable at ticketmaster.ae.