LeBron James scored 14 points and added seven assists in his debut for the Philadelphia 76ers, who defeated the defending champion New York Knicks 106-100 on the opening night of the NBA season. The 41-year-old James is entering his record-extending 24th season in the league and his fourth team after leaving the LA Lakers over the summer.
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 28 points, while Jaylen Brown, also making his debut after a high-profile trade from the Boston Celtics for Paul George, scored 19 points with eight rebounds and six assists. The Knicks raised their third championship banner at Madison Square Garden before the game, in front of a crowd that included celebrity fans Ben Stiller and Spike Lee. Jalen Brunson led New York with 21 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 points and 12 rebounds. The Knicks ended a 53-year title drought with their win over the San Antonio Spurs in last season's NBA Finals.
"I could be a lot better," James told NBC. "Still getting my rhythm, obviously just a little bit over two weeks with the new squad. But I like the way we played. I think we played exceptionally well, especially defensively."
Elsewhere on opening night, the Detroit Pistons came back in the second half to beat the Boston Celtics 121-113. Paul George scored 38 points for Boston in his debut, while Duncan Robinson scored 15 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter. In Oklahoma City, reigning back-to-back MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points as the Thunder beat the Spurs 116-104. Victor Wembanyama contributed 13 rebounds and six blocks for San Antonio.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing