Sidelined LeBron Watches Philadelphia Turn into an NBA Powerhouse: Brown Demolishes Knicks with 22 Points in 17 Minutes

Pulse Sports Team 14:35 - 06 October 2026

With two weeks remaining until the official tip-off of the new NBA season, the preseason opener offered a resounding glimpse of Jaylen Brown's devastating impact in Philadelphia. Landing the former Boston Celtics champion was the defining move of an ambitious project that also lured NBA all-time scoring leader LeBron James.

Dressed in street clothes, veteran superstar "King James" watched the matchup against the New York Knicks from the sidelines. Still, from the bench, he got a firsthand look at the terrifying offensive firepower of his new teammate. Philadelphia blew out the Knicks 120-97, highlighted by a dominant, sensational first half from Jaylen Brown. In just under 17 minutes on the floor, Brown poured in 22 points on an efficient 8-of-13 shooting, while adding two rebounds, two assists, and a highlight-reel block. His blistering energy and efficiency sent a clear warning across the NBA and gave fans a thrilling preview of what is to come.

Embiid and Maxey Also Sidelined Alongside LeBron

LeBron James' absence was purely a precautionary measure by the medical staff. Due to chronic issues and arthritis, his training regimen requires careful management of his left foot, while team doctors also closely monitor the lower back soreness that sidelined him during the opening month of last season. Alongside James, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey were also rested—both key cornerstones expected to shoulder heavy loads in the team's pursuit of a championship. However, it is the role head coach Nick Nurse envisions for LeBron that has truly caught the basketball world's attention.

The Sixers head coach explained in detail why he views LeBron James not as a traditional scorer, but rather as the primary playmaker and engine of their offense:

Jaylen Brown's Monstrous 17-Minute Display

"I see LeBron as an elite playmaker rather than primarily a scorer. In terms of offensive creation, I view him as a floor general who controls every aspect of the game. Even if he's not bringing the ball up, the first pass usually finds him. That's where we initiate our offense—he reads the defense and creates opportunities for his teammates," Nurse said.

Blending the sheer talent of LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey could bring Philadelphia not only thrilling, fluid basketball, but also a legitimate run at the NBA championship the City of Brotherly Love has been craving for decades.