NBA champion Nuggets to play Celtics in Abu Dhabi exhibitions

In a groundbreaking announcement, the NBA revealed that the reigning champion Denver Nuggets and the Boston Celtics, the top-performing team in the regular season, will face off in pre-season games scheduled for October in Abu Dhabi. This clash between two basketball powerhouses is set to take place on October 4 and 6, setting the stage for an exciting prelude to the 2024-25 NBA campaign.

The Boston Celtics, boasting an impressive 17 NBA championships, will bring their formidable lineup to go head-to-head with the Nuggets, who are hot on their heels with a record of 42-20, just one game away from the top spot in the Western Conference. The Celtics, currently leading the Eastern Conference and the league overall with a remarkable 48-13 record, are fueled by their ambition to reclaim the NBA crown after falling short in the 2022 Finals and narrowly missing the championship series last season.

NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum expressed excitement about bringing two of the league’s elite teams to Abu Dhabi. “There’s incredible momentum around basketball in the UAE and across the Middle East, and we believe these games, along with our year-round grassroots development and fan engagement efforts, will be a catalyst for the continued growth of the game in the region,” Tatum stated.

The Celtics, featuring NBA All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, along with standout players like Latvian forward Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, are eager to showcase their talent on the international stage. Celtics President Rich Gotham emphasized the global impact of basketball, stating, “Basketball is a truly worldwide sport, and international events such as these can help inspire generations of fans across the globe.”

On the other side, the Denver Nuggets, led by two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic from Serbia, are equally thrilled about this unique opportunity. Team Ownership Vice Chairman Josh Kroenke expressed the organization’s excitement, saying, “We look forward to this unique experience and being able to help expand the global reach of our great league.” This exciting matchup promises not only thrilling basketball action but also contributes to the worldwide growth and popularity of the sport.