76ers Rally to Defeat Knicks 106-100 in LeBron James' Philadelphia Debut

Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 28 points in a 106-100 win over the Knicks as LeBron James began his record 24th NBA season.

The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New York Knicks 106-100 on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. Tyrese Maxey led all scorers with 28 points, while Jaylen Brown recorded 19 points, eight rebounds, and six assists in his first game for Philadelphia since arriving from Boston. LeBron James, starting an NBA-record 24th season, finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.

New York hosted a pregame ceremony to raise their championship banner and distribute rings following their first title since 1973. Despite the celebration, the Knicks shot 37% from the field and 33.3% from 3-point range. Jalen Brunson scored 21 points but struggled with 6-for-19 shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed a double-double for the hosts with 19 points and 12 rebounds.

Philadelphia trailed 58-54 at halftime before taking control late in the third quarter with an 11-0 run. Brown capped that stretch with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to give the 76ers an 83-76 lead. After Towns hit a 3-pointer to cut the Philadelphia lead to 96-95 in the fourth quarter, Joel Embiid responded with a 3-pointer of his own. Embiid finished the contest with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.

The 76ers' bench provided critical spacing, including three 3-pointers from Anfernee Simons and two from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. This victory follows a postseason where the Knicks swept the 76ers in the second round during a 16-3 playoff run. Philadelphia revamped their roster in the offseason by signing James from the Los Angeles Lakers and trading for Brown to challenge the defending champions.