Preseason Game Preview: Knicks vs. 76ers, Oct. 4, 2025

The Knicks seek to sweep Philly in the desert.

Summarized by AI ⓘ

What is the story about?

The Knicks opened their preseason with a 99–84 win over the Sixers in Mike Brown’s debut. The coach’s decision to start Mitchell Robinson at center and sliding Karl-Anthony Towns to power forward paid off instantly. Mitch looked like the clear anchor of the lineup, ripping down 16 rebounds in 18 minutes. Brown called him “phenomenal” and, overall, the Knicks crushed Philly on the boards, 58–46.

With OG Anunoby nursing a sprained hand, Pacôme Dadiet got a surprise start. He missed all five of his threes,

turned it over twice, and was yanked early. The sophomore still needs development to reach his potential, which shines through on occasion.

Josh Hart’s evening was even worse: a back injury ended his stint after seven minutes, capped by an ejection for throwing the ball into the stands. He’s listed day-to-day and is unlikely to play on Saturday.

The new coach’s mantra is to play faster, with quick inbounds, constant sprints, and rim running. The Knicks didn’t quite hit that gear. “We still have to take it three or four more notches,” Brown said.

The highlight off the bench was Miles McBride, who hounded Philly’s guards and seemed to enjoy the new free-flowing offense. “It’s been fun to create for myself and others,” he said. His energy in the second quarter flipped a stagnant game on Thursday, which became a romp after halftime.

Brown promised his top nine or ten would play in the first half. That group included: Brunson, Bridges, Towns, Robinson, Dadiet, Hart, McBride, Clarkson, Yabusele, and Shamet. (Anunoby will be in the mix, too, when healthy.) The surprise omission? Malcolm Brogdon, who didn’t check in until the third quarter. Although he played well, there’s a good chance the non-guaranteed vet won’t be on the opening night roster. Garrison Mathews only entered in garbage time but impressed, drilling three of four tries from deep and moving well.

There were some tactical wrinkles worth noting. The Knicks only briefly ran a five-out look with KAT surrounded by shooters, and Brown experimented with a Brunson–McBride–Clarkson trio that was intriguing offensively but risky defensively. Bridges struggled from three, but attacked the rim more often and earned free throws—we squeegeed our eyes to see Mikal at the charity stripe. More of that, please.

We expected some sloppiness in the first dress rehearsal, and it’s no measure of how the season will go for our heroes. Yet, it sure was fun to watch the Knicks play a little faster, storm the lane, and look for the extra pass. And knocking around a depleted Eastern conference rival? The cherry on top.

On Saturday, the two clubs square off again in the golden sands of Abu Dhabi. I’ll miss the game to celebrate my sons’ birthdays at the Richardson ranch, but we expect more of the same. Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre, and a ragtag group of Liberty Belles is no match for Mike Brown’s hard-charging Superbockers. Knicks by 15.