The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 are set to feature a thrilling showdown between the 17-time NBA champion Boston Celtics and the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets. The games will take place on October 4 and October 6, promising an exciting spectacle for basketball fans around the world.
Key Takeaways
- Teams Involved: Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets
- Dates: October 4 and October 6, 2024
- Location: Abu Dhabi
- Broadcast: Live in the UAE, across the Middle East, and globally
- Notable Players: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porziņģis, Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon
Event Overview
The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have announced that the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024, presented by ADQ, will feature two preseason games between the Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets. These games are part of a multiyear collaboration aimed at promoting basketball in the region.
Star-Studded Lineup
The Boston Celtics will bring a star-studded lineup featuring five-time NBA All-Star Jayson Tatum, three-time NBA All-Star Jaylen Brown, 2021 NBA champion Jrue Holiday, and 2018 NBA All-Star Kristaps Porziņģis. On the other hand, the Denver Nuggets will showcase two-time Kia NBA Most Valuable Player and six-time NBA All-Star Nikola Jokić, along with Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon.
Global Broadcast
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 will be broadcast live in the UAE, across the Middle East, and around the world. The games will reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories through television, digital media, and social media platforms.
Collaboration and Initiatives
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games are part of a broader collaboration between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi. This partnership includes the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League, interactive fan events featuring current and former NBA players, NBA FIT clinics promoting health and wellness, and an NBA 2K League exhibition event.
Statements from Officials
Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, expressed excitement about the event, stating, “Our collaboration with the NBA supports our strategy of empowering youth in the UAE, the region, and beyond. With the event now in its third year, we are excited to once again host The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 presented by ADQ and build on our track record of hosting top-tier sporting events.”
NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum added, “We’re excited to bring two of the best teams in the NBA to Abu Dhabi – the Celtics and the Nuggets. There is incredible momentum around basketball in the UAE and across the Middle East, and we believe these games as well as our year-round grassroots development and fan engagement efforts will be a catalyst for the continued growth of the game in the region.”
Historical Context
NBA games have been broadcast in the UAE since the 1987-88 season, and the sport has seen growing popularity in the region. Fans can follow the NBA on various social media platforms, including Instagram, Snapchat, and X (@NBAArabic).