LeBron James Leads Sixers to Upset Win over Knicks at MSG

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 22, 2026

LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the defending champion New York Knicks 106-100 at Madison Square Garden during the Knicks’ championship banner ceremony. The victory highlighted James’s leadership in his first season with the 76ers and underscored Philadelphia’s potential as a strong contender this season.

LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers handed the New York Knicks a season-opening setback on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden, defeating the defending NBA champions 106-100 on the night the Knicks raised their championship banner. The victory disrupted the Knicks’ celebrations following their first NBA title in 53 years.

James, 41, in his 24th NBA season and first with the 76ers, contributed 14 points and seven assists, showcasing his role as a facilitator for younger teammates, including Tyrese Maxey who led all scorers with 28 points. “I could be a lot better,” James said in a postgame interview with NBC, noting he was still adjusting after about two weeks with his new team. “But I like the way we played. I think we played exceptionally well, especially defensively.”

Jaylen Brown, acquired by Philadelphia in a major offseason trade for Paul George, added 19 points along with eight rebounds and six assists. Center Joel Embiid posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. The 76ers regained the lead in the third quarter and maintained their advantage despite several renewed challenges from the Knicks.

For New York, Jalen Brunson led the team with 21 points while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 19 points and 12 rebounds. The Knicks, who ended a decades-long championship drought by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in last season’s NBA Finals, held an emotional pregame ceremony featuring former Knicks legends Bill Bradley, Earl Monroe, and Walt Frazier, who presented championship rings to the current roster. The event drew notable attendees including Ben Stiller, Spike Lee, Jon Bon Jovi, and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

Speaking before the game, Finals MVP Brunson acknowledged the significance of the moment for the Knicks organization and expressed confidence in the team’s future. “We’re ready to turn the page as a team,” Brunson said. “The joy that this city had this summer we’d love to replicate that again.” New York aims to become the first NBA team to repeat as champions since 2018.

James, a four-time NBA champion and the league’s all-time leading scorer, described the win as particularly meaningful against the backdrop of the Knicks’ title celebration. “It’s pretty special,” he remarked after the game.

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