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On a night when Madison Square Garden celebrated the New York Knicks' championship ring ceremony and hoisted their banner to the rafters, it was the revamped Philadelphia 76ers who spoiled the party with a 106-100 opening-night victory.
Swept by New York in the second round of last season's playoffs—en route to the Knicks defeating San Antonio in five games to claim their first title since 1973—Philadelphia reloaded over the summer, acquiring former Boston Celtic Jaylen Brown and LeBron James, who left the Los Angeles Lakers to begin a historic 24th NBA campaign.
Following a foul-heavy, disjointed first half where the hosts led by as many as 10 points before taking a 58-54 advantage into the break, the Sixers hit their stride. An 11-0 run to close the third quarter, capped by a Jaylen Brown buzzer-beating three-pointer, gave the visitors an 83-76 lead.
Tyrese Maxey led all scorers with 28 points, highlighted by a three-point play early in the fourth quarter to stretch the lead to 87-78. Brown enjoyed an impressive debut with 19 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while LeBron James contributed 14 points, nine rebounds, and six assists—even logging minutes at center to help neutralize Karl-Anthony Towns.
The Knicks threatened a late comeback when Karl-Anthony Towns (19 points, 12 rebounds) drilled a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 96-95. However, Joel Embiid, who finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, responded immediately from downtown to halt New York's charge.
Reigning Finals MVP Jalen Brunson scored 21 points but struggled with his shot (6-of-19), reflecting a tough shooting night overall for the Knicks, who converted just 37% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc.
As is customary at Madison Square Garden, the courtside seats were packed with celebrities, including Timothée Chalamet, Tracy Morgan, Spike Lee, John Turturro, Sydney Sweeney, Ben Stiller, and Mariska Hargitay.
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