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LeBron James Leads 76ers to Victory Over Knicks in Season Opener
Confirmed
In Short: LeBron James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, played a pivotal role in the Philadelphia 76ers' 106-100 victory over the defending champion New York Knicks in the season opener.
LeBron James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, played a pivotal role in the Philadelphia 76ers' 106-100 victory over the defending champion New York Knicks in the season opener.
James, who shot 5-of-13 from the field and missed all three of his attempts from behind the arc, contributed 14 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in 34 minutes.
The game marked the first time the Knicks had raised their championship banner since winning the 2026 NBA Finals, a moment that was celebrated with a pregame ceremony.
Despite the Knicks' championship banner raising, they struggled defensively, shooting just 37% from the floor and 33% from 3-point range.
James praised the significance of the game, telling NBC Sports' Zora Stephenson, 'I do. It's pretty special,' and added, 'Just trying to make plays to win. Very familiar with every scenario that this game has offered. Blessed to be able to play still at this level and blessed to be able to play in this building. This building is so special, so it's fun.'
The Knicks, led by Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, who will host 'Saturday Night Live' later this month, fell short despite their championship banner raising.
Brunson, who spoke to fans during the pregame ceremony, expressed hope for replicating the joy the city felt during the championship run, but acknowledged the team's performance needed improvement.
The 76ers' victory was a significant start to their season, as they had previously been defeated by the Knicks in the second round of the playoffs the previous year.
The Knicks' roster includes new additions like Bruce Brown, who signed a training camp contract after a successful season with the Denver Nuggets.
ESPN's Bobby Marks reported that the Knicks can only retain one of the three new players unless they make a trade, highlighting the competitive nature of the upcoming season.
What's confirmed
- Brunson told fans inside Madison Square Garden in a pregame ceremony when the Knicks raised their NBA championship banner and received their rings that: “The joy that this city had this summer, we would love to replicate that again.” Maybe they can, but they will have to play a lot better than they did Tuesday in shooting 37% overall and 33.3% on 3s.
- Brunson, who helped the Knicks become champions this summer for the first time in 53 years, makes his hosting debut Sept.
What's still developing
- It marked the franchise's largest come-from-behind win over the Celtics across the past 30 seasons, according to ESPN Research.
- The 2026-27 season tipped off with a tripleheader, beginning with a rare daytime game between the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics.
- The Golden State Warriors once again prioritized a reunion with Gary Payton II in free agency, but it's a decision they may come to regret after the New York Knicks stole Bruce Brown in a savvy free agency move on Wednesday.
- The team announced Wednesday that they'd signed three new players to compete for roster spots this fall, including two former NBA champions.
- The big man has battled injuries and inconsistent play across his career, having never appeared in more than 63 regular season games.
- James recently said the luxury of his game is that he can "literally do everything."
- Newly crowned NBA champion Brunson, 30, will be joined on the night by girl group KATSEYE, who will serve as the episode's musical guest.
- Since last year’s second-round sweep at the hands of the New York Knicks, the 76ers jettisoned Andre Drummond, Quentin Grimes and Kelly Oubre.
- Embiid appeared to wonder during the national anthem where the Knicks’ championship banner was hanging in the rafters as James sat nearby on the bench with his head bowed and hands clasped.
- The announcement is the latest in a flurry of public appearances for Brunson since leading the Knicks past the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals in June.