The defending champion New York Knicks received their rings and raised their championship banner Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, opening the NBA season against LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Knicks celebrated their championship, but the 76ers spoiled the party.
Led by Tyrese Maxey’s 28 points, the 76ers (1-0) had six players in double figures, and they defeated the Knicks (0-1), 106-100.
The 76ers, who trailed 58-54 at halftime, started to cook in the third quarter, outscoring the Knicks 29-18. In that third quarter, Jaylen Brown scored 10 of his 19 points, including a buzzer-beating three to give Philadelphia an 83-76 lead.
After taking their first lead since the opening quarter in the third, the 76ers never trailed again.
In the fourth, Karl-Anthony Towns, who finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds, cut the lead to 96-95 with a three-pointer with just over four minutes remaining. Joel Embiid, who had 13 points and 11 rebounds, answered with a crucial three, and Philadelphia held on late for the win.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 21 points, and Andre Drummond finished with 12 points and 14 rebounds off the bench.
For the 76ers, LeBron James added 14 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, and Anfernee Simons chipped in with 13 points off the bench.
The new-look 76ers defended well, contested shots, and held the Knicks to 37% shooting. They paired balanced scoring with effective ball movement, recording 28 assists on 37 field goals. Despite shooting 11/40 from three, Philadelphia did enough to win on opening night.
After one game, Maxey and Brown look like they’ll lead the offense. They are the team’s two best offensive players. James will stuff the stat sheet for the 76ers, and Embiid, who added three blocks, contributed on the glass and protected the rim. VJ Edgecombe, who added nine points, will chip in where needed.
Philadelphia gets back at it on Thursday night in the home opener against the Cavs.
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