LeBron James got his Philadelphia 76ers career off to a sensational winning start as his side beat the reigning champion New York Knicks 106-100 at Madison Square Garden on NBA opening night.
James began his NBA-record 24th season with 14 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while Tyrese Maxey scored 28 points and Jaylen Brown added 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists in his first game since being acquired from Boston.
Jalen Brunson scored 21 points for the Knicks, but the NBA Finals MVP shot just 6 for 19 from the field. Karl-Anthony Towns was the standout for New York with 19 points and 12 rebounds, but the Knicks shot just 37 per cent overall and 33.3 per cent on 3s. Joel Embiid finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
The Sixers closed the third quarter with an 11-0 run, capped by Brown's buzzer-beating three-pointer that gave Philadelphia an 83-76 lead. New York cut it to 96-95 late, but Embiid answered and the Sixers held on. Philadelphia had swept the Knicks in last season's second round, and the victory gives the 76ers an early statement as they look to become one of the league's best teams.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing