The Philadelphia 76ers survived the defending champions New York Knicks to a 98-93 win in an NBA Cup group game on Friday night.
LeBron James dropped 20 points and sank the go-ahead fadeaway late, and Tyrese Maxey dropped 27 points for the Sixers.
In yet another packed house in Philadelphia with a lively playoff feel, Jalen Brunson hit a triple for a 90-89 lead with 1:32 that got the first significant rise of the Knicks fans who made the trip.
James made his best game of the season with the go-ahead bucket with 1:10 remaining, and V.J. Edgecombe hit an insurance triple for the four-point lead.
The veteran superstar sealed the win with a tip-in and nearly pulled off a triple-double of nine rebounds and eight assists.
Philadelphia is already 2-0 this season against the NBA champion Knicks after beating them in New York on opening night in James’ debut.
Brunson dropped 24 points, but appeared to roll an ankle late in the game, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 22 points.
The 76ers are off to a 5-1 start even with their regular starting five having started together only three times this season.
Jaylen Brown missed a game for the first time this season with left knee soreness, leaving Maxey the lone player to start every game.
Philadelphia did not say if Brown was expected to miss any more games.
James became the key factor for this matchup after a post bucket against Mikal Bridges and chased down OG Anunoby for a blocked shot in the third.
The Knicks beat the Spurs last season in the Cup Final, and went on to beat them in the title series as well.
Up next: the Knicks host the Nets on Monday, while the 76ers visit Charlotte on Saturday.
