Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd says his team will look to build “championship habits” when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in two preseason games as part of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 presented by ADQ.
The matchups are scheduled for Oct. 5 and 7 at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island and mark the second consecutive year the NBA, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, is hosting preseason games in the UAE capital.
“In both games, we will bring our competitive spirit to the court,” said Kidd, a 10-time NBA All-Star. “It’s all about improvement and developing championship habits. Our visit to Abu Dhabi provides a unique opportunity to cultivate those championship habits, and we are fully committed to doing just that.”
Reflecting on the previous season’s disappointing conclusion, which saw the Mavericks finish with a losing record for the first time since 2018-19, Kidd added: “We didn’t finish the previous season as we had hoped, but with a fresh start ahead, including a training camp and a full season, we anticipate stronger team chemistry, also between Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. Our primary focus is to build a championship-caliber team, and that requires adhering to the championship ethos while assembling the right pieces around Kyrie and Luka. The ultimate goal is to win the championship.”
The NBA’s partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi aims to promote basketball in the Middle East and foster local talent. Kidd, a two-time Olympic basketball gold medalist, is aware of the sport and its standing outside the US.
“When it comes to basketball, the NBA has made significant investments in the game’s development,” Kidd said. “I firmly believe that, given time and resources, we will see players from the Middle East make it to the NBA. This transformation won’t happen overnight, but I envision a future where every country in the world produces an NBA player.”
In addition to the games themselves, the Abu Dhabi experience offers players and teams an opportunity to explore what the UAE capital has to offer.
“We are excited to visit Abu Dhabi and discover a different part of the world,” said Kidd. “Basketball not only unites us on the court, but also opens doors to experiencing new cultures, cuisines, and languages. This presents a fantastic opportunity for those who have not yet explored the Middle East to embrace these enriching aspects.”
Tickets for the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 presented by ADQ can be purchased at etihadarena.ae and ticketmaster.ae.
