Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (R) and Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray attend a news conference after the NBA pre-season basketball game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks at Etihad Stadium on the Island Yas in Abu Dhabi, on October 6, 2022. (Photo by Karim SAHIB/AFP)
Dejounte Murray scored the highest on his debut as the Atlanta Hawks beat the Milwaukee Bucks 123-113 pre-season in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, the NBA’s first appearance in the oil-rich Gulf.
Murray, traded by the Spurs during the unsuccessful season, scored 25 points with nine assists and eight rebounds, followed by teammate Trae Young, who had 22 points.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 19 points but the Greek star, who drew screams from the crowd every time he touched the ball, failed to inspire a change as Milwaukee dragged on from the second half. .
The Bay Area’s first meeting between the NBA teams was held at the packed Etihad Stadium in the United Arab Emirates capital, which will also host game two on Saturday.
“We have to keep that hunger mentality to work… to keep learning and getting better, growing together and competing at a high level,” says Murray.
“And I believe we can do it… I went to Saturday,” he added. “We won, but like I said, there’s always room for improvement.”
🔥 New @ATLHawks backcourt was HOOPING in Game 1 of #NBAinAbuDhabi @TheTraeYoung: 22 PTS, 3 AST@DejounteMurray: 25 PTS, 8 REB, 9 AST, 2 BLK pic.twitter.com/ztcxIk5vxG
– NBA (@NBA) October 6, 2022
Games in Abu Dhabi are part of the NBA’s resumption of overseas trips following a pandemic shutdown. Golden State Warriors won two games before last season Washington Wizards in Japanwhile Paris and Mexico City will host regular seasonal matches.
The affluent Gulf is attracting more and more major sporting events including this year’s World Cup in Qatar and four F1 races next season, as well as golf, tennis and heavyweight boxing.
“It’s far from coming,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told reporters before the game, referring to a visit to the area.
“We believe that in the history of the NBA, we have had about 25 players from the Middle East, North Africa region.
“We hope that as we continue to play games here and televise games… that will encourage more young people, frankly male and female, whether aspiring to play in the NBA or not. WNBA, keep playing the game.”
This week’s games are part of a multi-year partnership between the NBA and Abu Dhabi.
The Bucks are named favorites for this season’s title in the league’s annual survey of 30 general managers.
Continue reading
Register INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer and more than 70 other titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to news, download as early as 4am and share media articles society. Call 896 6000.
For feedback, complaints or enquiries, Contact us.
