New York's Oriental team? (4,4)

I believe the answer is:

east side

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'new york's' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both locations as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'oriental team?' is the wordplay.
'oriental' becomes 'east' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'team?' becomes 'side' (both can mean a sports team).
'east'+'side'='EAST SIDE'

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app