Knicks win in Abu Dhabi as Hart ejected with back soreness

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Mike Brown’s first live test as New York Knicks head coach ended with a preseason win but also an early scare as forward Josh Hart was ejected after a noncontact fall and flagged day to day with lower back soreness. The Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in Abu Dhabi on Thursday and followed with a second victory over Philadelphia on Saturday to complete the two-game overseas set.

Hart crashed to the floor early in the second quarter after securing a defensive rebound, landed awkwardly and remained on the court in visible pain. Kennedy Chandler of the Sixers tied him up for a jump ball; after the whistle Hart threw the ball toward the stands while still on the floor, earning a technical foul and an automatic ejection. The Knicks listed Hart as day to day with lower back spasms, and team officials said they would take a cautious approach to his availability. Hart had entered the preseason already managing a surgically repaired right ring finger and had said he expected to play this season wearing a protective splint.

The game highlighted both the promise and the questions facing Brown’s roster. Mitchell Robinson was a force on the glass in...