The new-look Philadelphia 76ers made their preseason debut on Monday night against the defending world-champion New York Knicks.
Philadelphia was without Joel Embiid, LeBron James, and Tyrese Maxey, but even without those guys, we got a glimpse of their potential.
Jaylen Brown scored 22 points in 17 first-half minutes as the 76ers defeated the Knicks 120-97 at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Brown, who was acquired from the Celtics for Paul George and draft picks in the summer, shot 8/13 from the field, including 3/5 from deep.
“Just getting some game reps, getting some conditioning,” Brown said. “It feels good to get out playing against somebody else.”
Brown was joined in the starting lineup by VJ Edgecombe, who added 12 points, four rebounds, and seven assists in 20 first-half minutes.
Brown has been impressed by what he’s seen from Edgecombe so far.
“I love VJ already,” Brown said. “That’s one of my favorite people in the world, and we just met. VJ is going to be great, and I’m excited to help him continue to thrive, but his talent level is off the charts.”
Unfortunately, it wasn’t all good news for the 76ers. Center Ariel Hukporti, who signed with the 76ers in the offseason after playing for the Knicks last season, left the game five minutes into the first quarter after suffering a non-contact lower-leg injury.
The team announced Tuesday that Hukporti will miss the season with a torn right Achilles tendon. Without Hukporti, third-year center Adem Bona, who is currently nursing a left foot sprain, will probably be Embiid’s primary backup. However, the team could turn to Dominick Barlow or Dean Wade at backup center.
The 24-year-old Hukporti showed a lot of promise with the Knicks last season and flashed his passing ability Monday, including a nice dish to Wade for a layup. His season-ending injury is an early setback for Philadelphia’s frontcourt.
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