LeBron James made a winning start to his Philadelphia 76ers career as the visitors defeated the defending NBA champions New York Knicks 106-100 at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, October 20, spoiling their championship celebrations on the opening night of the 2026–27 season.
Tyrese Maxey scored a game-high 28 points to lead Philadelphia, while James contributed 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in his first regular-season appearance for the franchise. Jaylen Brown added 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists, with Joel Embiid recording 13 points and 11 rebounds as the Sixers secured a statement victory against the reigning champions.
The result overshadowed an emotional pre-game ceremony in New York, where the Knicks received their championship rings and raised their title banner before a home crowd celebrating the team’s first NBA championship in 53 years.
New York had beaten the San Antonio Spurs in last season’s NBA Finals to end its lengthy title drought.
However, the celebrations were followed by a difficult opening test against a Philadelphia side that has significantly strengthened its roster during the offseason.
James, 41, began his record-extending 24th NBA season with his fourth franchise after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers. The four-time NBA champion joined a Sixers team featuring Maxey and Embiid, with Brown also arriving from Boston in a major offseason trade involving Paul George.
Despite the high-profile additions, Philadelphia’s defensive performance proved as important as its individual talent. The Sixers withstood New York’s attempts to seize control and responded when the hosts threatened to take charge in the second half.
“I could be a lot better. Still getting my rhythm, obviously just a little bit over two weeks with the new squad,” James told NBC after the game.
“But I like the way we played. I think we played exceptionally well, especially defensively.”
James’ all-round contribution provided an encouraging first look at how he could fit into Philadelphia’s new-look lineup. His seven assists helped facilitate the attack, while Maxey supplied the scoring punch that the visitors needed to leave New York with the win.
Brown also made an immediate contribution in his first game for Philadelphia after his move from Boston. His scoring, rebounding and playmaking complemented Maxey’s offensive output as the Sixers began their campaign with a victory that could strengthen their ambitions of challenging for the Eastern Conference title.
For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson led the way with 21 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 points and 12 rebounds. New York managed to regain the lead in the third quarter but could not sustain its advantage as Philadelphia responded and held off its late challenge.
Brunson had told supporters during the championship ceremony that the team hoped to recreate the joy of its title-winning summer. Instead, the Knicks opened their defence with a defeat that underlined the challenge of maintaining their position at the top of the league.
The opening-night action also featured two other matchups with significant implications for the new season.
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs 116-104 in a rematch of last season’s Western Conference Finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points for Oklahoma City, while Stephon Castle led San Antonio with 24 points.
Victor Wembanyama finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks but struggled with his shooting, converting just one of 13 field-goal attempts. His only basket came on an alley-oop dunk late in the third quarter as Oklahoma City maintained control.
The Thunder entered the season seeking to reassert themselves after San Antonio eliminated them in a seven-game Western Conference Finals series last season.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons rallied from a 22-point deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics 121-113. Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren scored 22 points apiece, while Duncan Robinson added 21 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, as Detroit produced a decisive 23-0 scoring run.
Paul George scored 38 points in his Boston debut but could not prevent the Celtics from losing after surrendering their advantage.
Philadelphia’s victory, however, provided the night’s defining storyline, with James beginning his latest NBA chapter by helping the Sixers silence a celebratory Madison Square Garden and deliver an early warning to the defending champions.
