LeBron Spoils New York's Party: Sixers Stun Champions on Opening Night! /VIDEO/

Pulse Sports Team 05:31 - 21 October 2026

LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers crashed the New York Knicks' ring-night celebrations at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, spoiling the banner-raising ceremony with a 106-100 victory.

Philadelphia sent a clear message on opening night that they will be serious title contenders this season, bolstered by the arrivals of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown.

James, entering a record-extending 24th NBA campaign, posted 14 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.

"I could be a lot better. I'm still finding my rhythm, having spent just over two weeks with the new squad. But I like the way we played. I think we performed exceptionally well, especially on the defensive end." — LeBron James

The closing stages delivered plenty of drama. Karl-Anthony Towns drained a three-pointer to pull the Knicks within one at 96-95, but the Sixers responded and stretched the lead to 104-98 courtesy of a Tyrese Maxey slam.

A Jalen Brunson bucket with 41 seconds remaining gave the home crowd late hope, but it wasn't to be. Brunson missed a subsequent three-point attempt, allowing James to ice the game from the free-throw line.

Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers in scoring with 28 points. Jaylen Brown chipped in with 19 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while center Joel Embiid added a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Jalen Brunson paced New York with 21 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds.

LeBron, a four-time NBA champion and the league's all-time leading scorer, admitted that spoiling ring night carries extra significance.

"It's pretty special," James said.