The Philadelphia 76ers opened the 2026-27 NBA season with a 106-100 victory over the defending champion New York Knicks on Tuesday, spoiling the hosts’ championship celebration in LeBron James’ debut for his new team.
Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 28 points, while Jaylen Brown contributed 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists in his first game since arriving from the Boston Celtics.
James finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists as he began his record 24th NBA season.
Joel Embiid added 13 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, while Anfernee Simons scored 13 points off the bench and made three three-pointers. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope contributed 10 points, including two shots from beyond the arc, as Philadelphia received important production from its reserves.
The Knicks entered the game celebrating their first NBA championship since 1973, having defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games in last season’s Finals. Jalen Brunson addressed the Madison Square Garden crowd during the pregame ceremony, saying the team hoped to replicate the joy of its championship summer.
Brunson scored 21 points but struggled with his shooting, making just six of 19 attempts from the field. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Josh Hart added 14 points and seven rebounds. New York shot 37.2% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range.
Philadelphia trailed 58-54 at halftime but gradually took control after the break. The 76ers closed the third quarter with an 11-0 run, capped by Brown’s second consecutive three-pointer at the buzzer, to establish an 83-76 lead.
Maxey extended the advantage to nine points with a three-point play early in the fourth quarter. New York continued to fight back and cut the deficit to 96-95 when Towns connected from long range.
Embiid answered with a three-pointer of his own, helping Philadelphia maintain its lead down the stretch and secure the opening-night victory.
The result offered an early look at Philadelphia’s revamped lineup after the franchise acquired Brown in a trade with Boston and signed James in free agency. The 76ers will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, while the Knicks visit the Boston Celtics on Friday.
