YAS ISLAND, Abu Dhabi — The assembly was still in progress, streets already lined with lights heralding the NBA’s arrival, NBA Store venues outside Etihad Arena being constructed and after a 13-hour flight and an eight-hour time difference the Knicks were kind of under construction, too.

The team arrived to a greeting that included falcons and a long line of welcoming faces. And Mike Brown, after the photo ops and tourist attractions, wanted to get the Knicks ready for the start of preseason with a game against the Philadelphia 76ers Thursday and another one Saturday before they return home.

So the Knicks landed, exchanged pleasantries and headed to the practice court to get loose and their sleep patterns set for this excursion.

“That’s performance department,” Brown said before the tri

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