LeBron James helped Philadelphia to victory in his 76ers debut, as his new team spoiled the New York Knicks’ championship ring ceremony with a 106-100 win at Madison Square Garden. The October 20 season opener marked the beginning of James’ 24th NBA season and introduced a new chapter in one of basketball’s most storied careers.
Playing in front of a New York crowd celebrating the defending champions’ title, James and the 76ers delivered a performance that dampened the festive atmosphere. The victory showcased Philadelphia’s potential and served notice that the team remains a force in the Eastern Conference.
Balanced Scoring Lifts Philadelphia
The 41-year-old James finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Tyrese Maxey led all scorers with 28 points. Jaylen Brown added 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists in his first game since being acquired from Boston. Joel Embiid contributed 13 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
The 76ers got three 3-pointers from Anfernee Simons and two from fellow newcomer Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, as the reserves took advantage of open looks when the Knicks focused on the bigger names.
The Knicks raised their championship banner in a pregame ceremony celebrating their first title since 1973. Philadelphia then proceeded to crash the party and send the home crowd home disappointed.
A courtside exchange between James and a heckling Knicks fan drew attention during the game. Knicks fans erupted with chants of “We don’t want you!” as James stepped to the free-throw line early in the contest. Spike Lee was seen trying to play peacemaker during the exchange.
The shouts of rejection came in part because there was a plausible scenario under which James would have opened the season at Madison Square Garden in a Knicks uniform. James and his agent, Rich Paul, had said the Knicks would have been James’ first choice in free agency had New York not won the championship last season.
The 76ers closed the third quarter with an 11-0 run, capped by Brown’s second straight 3-pointer that came at the buzzer and gave Philadelphia an 83-76 lead. Maxey’s three-point play early in the fourth made it 87-78, and the Sixers maintained control despite a late Knicks push.
Jalen Brunson scored 21 points but shot just 6 for 19 from the field. Karl-Anthony Towns had 19 points and 12 rebounds for New York. The Knicks shot 37% overall and 33.3% on 3-pointers.
The loss on opening night marks the beginning of the Knicks’ title defense, as the team failed to protect home court following their championship celebration. Philadelphia’s victory provides early momentum as the 76ers look to contend in a competitive Eastern Conference.
