76ers beat defending champion Knicks in LeBron and Brown debut

Summarised from 2 outlets · 8 reports · Updated 21 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the defending NBA champion New York Knicks 106-100 on Tuesday night in a season opener featuring the debuts of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. The victory was a statement of intent from a Sixers side that has added two major stars to contend for the Knicks' title.

LeBron James, beginning his NBA-record 24th season, finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Jaylen Brown contributed 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists in his first game since being acquired from Boston. Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 28 points. The reserves also made an impact, with Anfernee Simons making three three-pointers and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope making two, as they capitalised on open looks created by the Knicks' focus on the Sixers' marquee players.

The Knicks struggled offensively despite playing on their home court on the night they received their championship rings. Jalen Brunson, the NBA Finals MVP, scored 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.

How it is being reported

• Joel Embiid, LeBron James and Sixers make an adjustment and an opening-night statementWith one critical halftime tweak, the Sixers righted their ship defensively and set the stage for a terrific season-opening win over the New York Knicks.PhillyVoice · 21 Oct, 06:17
• 76ers win opening game with LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, beating NBA champion Knicks 106-100NEW YORK — The Philadelphia 76ers sent an opening-night message that they plan to be a contender for the New York Knicks’ NBA title after adding LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, rallying for a 106-100 victory Tuesday.TribLIVE · 21 Oct, 03:15
• In debuts of LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Sixers spoil Knicks' ring nightAs every game between these two teams does, Tuesday's season opener between the Sixers and New York Knicks was an instant classic.PhillyVoice · 21 Oct, 03:07
• WATCH: LeBron James plays bully ball to score first basket for SixersLeBron James' 24th NBA season – and his first as a member of the Sixers – is officially underway.PhillyVoice · 21 Oct, 00:42
• WATCH: Jaylen Brown scores first basket as member of SixersJaylen Brown's 11th NBA season – his first in Philadelphia – is officially underway.PhillyVoice · 21 Oct, 00:29
• Sixers release hype video ahead of 2026-27 season openerThe Sixers kick off their season on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, where LeBron James and Jaylen Brown will make their team debuts.PhillyVoice · 20 Oct, 16:31
• Three questions for Nick Nurse to answer in Sixers' season opener against KnicksWhile Tuesday's opener vs. the Knicks will be one of 82 regular-season matchups for the 2026-27 Sixers, there is no doubt that a win would create a loud statement.PhillyVoice · 20 Oct, 16:26
• Previewing Sixers-Knicks: Which team will make statement on opening night?How does someone following the defending champions see the Sixers stacking up against the New York Knicks?PhillyVoice · 20 Oct, 10:00

In this story: Philadelphia 76ers · New York Knicks · LeBron James · Jaylen Brown · Tyrese Maxey · Joel Embiid · 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