In a thrilling matchup set to captivate basketball fans worldwide, the reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets, and the leading NBA regular-season club of 2023-24, the Boston Celtics, are scheduled to face off in pre-season games in Abu Dhabi this coming October, as announced by the league on Wednesday.
The Celtics, boasting a remarkable 17 NBA championships, will go head-to-head against the Nuggets on October 4 and 6, setting the stage for an exciting start to the 2024-25 NBA campaign.
NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We’re excited to bring two of the best teams in the NBA 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.”
With the Celtics leading the Eastern Conference and the league overall with an impressive record of 48-13, and the Nuggets closely following at 42-20, the anticipation for these pre-season matchups is palpable. The Celtics, aiming for their 18th championship and led by NBA All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, are determined to make their mark after a strong performance in the previous seasons.
The Nuggets, guided by two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic of Serbia, are equally eager for this international showcase. Team Ownership Vice Chairman Josh Kroenke expressed their excitement, saying, “The Denver Nuggets organization couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity. We look forward to this unique experience and being able to help expand the global reach of our great league.”
Boston Celtics President Rich Gotham added, “We welcome this opportunity to play for NBA fans in Abu Dhabi. Basketball is a truly worldwide sport, and international events such as these can help inspire generations of fans across the globe.” The upcoming games in Abu Dhabi are not only a thrilling sports spectacle but also a testament to the NBA’s commitment to fostering global basketball growth.