LeBron James opened his Philadelphia 76ers career with a victory, as the Sixers beat the reigning champion New York Knicks 106-100 at Madison Square Garden.
James, beginning a record 24th NBA season, finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Tyrese Maxey led the team with 28 points. Jaylen Brown, also making his Sixers debut after arriving from Boston, added 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Joel Embiid chipped in 13 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
The night began with the Knicks raising their championship banner and receiving their rings, their first title since 1973. Jalen Brunson, wearing gold sneakers for the occasion, told the crowd the team wanted to recreate the joy the city felt this summer. His game didn’t match the mood. The Finals MVP scored 21 points on 6-of-19 shooting, and the Knicks hit just 37 percent of their shots overall and 33.3 percent from three. Karl-Anthony Towns was their best player with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Philadelphia started shakily but improved as the game went on. The Knicks led 58-54 at halftime, but the Sixers closed the third quarter on an 11-0 run, ending with a buzzer-beating three from Brown for an 83-76 lead. Maxey’s three-point play early in the fourth pushed it to 87-78. Towns cut the gap to 96-95 with a three, but Embiid answered with one of his own and the Sixers held on.
It was a notable result given that the Knicks swept Philadelphia in last season’s second round. The Sixers have since added Brown, the league’s scoring champion last season, and signed James after he left the Lakers.
The Madison Square Garden crowd made its feelings known, chanting “we don’t want you” at James, who lives in New York while playing for the Sixers.
Afterward, James said he felt better and was still finding his rhythm after just over two weeks with his new team. He praised the defense, said the shooting will come, and called himself blessed to still play at this level, and in that building.
