King LeBron James joined the Philadelphia 76ers, and they started the new National Basketball Association (NBA) season with a bang, taking down the defending champions, the New York Knicks.
On Wednesday, Philadelphia kicked off their 2026-27 NBA regular season campaign with a 106-100 victory over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Already boasting Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, the 76ers bolstered their roster by adding James and Jaylen Brown in the offseason, instantly becoming serious title contenders.
Aiming for their first championship in 44 seasons since the 1982-83 season, Philadelphia’s win against the reigning champs sets a positive tone for their season.
James, who left the Lakers for the 76ers, made his presence felt with 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists in 33 minutes and 45 seconds. Brown, acquired from the Boston Celtics, impressed in his debut with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in 34 minutes and 54 seconds of play.
Maxey led all scorers with 28 points, while Embiid stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks.
For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson’s 21-point effort wasn’t enough to avoid the loss.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, but Philadelphia showed more grit down the stretch.
Clinging to a slim 96-95 lead, the 76ers got some breathing room with an Embiid three-pointer. VJ Edgecombe and Maxey then threw down consecutive dunks, electrifying the crowd and swinging momentum their way.
With 10 seconds left, Brunson’s potential game-tying three-pointer rimmed out, and James snagged the crucial defensive rebound. He then calmly sank two free throws to ice the game and secure the win for Philadelphia.