LeBron's 76ers upset defending champion Knicks on opening night

Summarised from 4 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 21 Oct, 08:15 · Archive

The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New York Knicks 106-100 on NBA opening night, with LeBron James scoring 14 points in his debut for his new team.

The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the defending NBA champion New York Knicks 106-100 on opening night of the 2026-27 season at Madison Square Garden. LeBron James, in his debut for the 76ers following his summer move from the Los Angeles Lakers, scored 14 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 28 points, whilst Jaylen Brown, acquired from the Boston Celtics, contributed 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

The Knicks held pre-game celebrations to raise their championship banner and present championship rings to players, marking the franchise's first title in 53 years following their victory over San Antonio last season. Jalen Brunson led New York with 21 points but shot just 6 for 19 from the field. Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 points and 12 rebounds. The Knicks shot 37 per cent overall and 33.3 per cent from three-point range.

The 76ers took the lead in the third quarter and held on for victory. James, 41, is entering his 24th season in the NBA and is the league's all-time leading scorer. He told NBC: 'I could be a lot better. Still getting my rhythm, obviously just a little bit over two weeks with the new squad. But I like the way we played. I think we played exceptionally well, especially defensively.' The Knicks had dominated the 76ers in a second-round playoff sweep last season with a 16-3 finish and the highest point differential in NBA postseason history.

How it is being reported

• LeBron James' 76ers beat Knicks on NBA opening nightLeBron James scores 14 points on debut for the Philadelphia 76ers as they defeat champions the New York Knicks on the opening night of the NBA season.BBC News · 21 Oct, 07:34
• LeBron stars on debut as Sixers defeat champions Knicks in opening gameHighlights of the NBA match between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers.Sky Sports · 21 Oct, 07:33
• LeBron's Sixers knock off champion Knicks in sensational victoryLeBron James got his Philadelphia 76ers career off to a sensational winning start as his side beat the reigning champion New York Knicks 106-100 at Madison Square Garden on NBA opening night.Sky Sports · 21 Oct, 07:12
• LeBron James talks smack with Knicks fans in victorious 76ers debutThe Sixers got a first look at the potent lineup they put together this summer in hopes of winning their first title since 1983.NPR · 21 Oct, 07:07
• Carmelo Anthony says LeBron James and 76ers can be 'problem for everyone,' including reigning-champion KnicksCarmelo Anthony said LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers could be a major problem for everyone in the East, including the New York Knicks.Fox News · 20 Oct, 23:10
• Carmelo Anthony thinks Knicks are the 'team to beat' as long as they do this following NBA title winThe New York Knicks face a massive target as defending NBA champions, and Carmelo Anthony warned every team will circle them on their schedule.Fox News · 20 Oct, 13:24

In this story: LeBron James · Philadelphia 76ers · New York Knicks · Tyrese Maxey · Jaylen Brown · Jalen Brunson · Madison Square Garden

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem