LeBron James debuted with the Philadelphia 76ers in a season-opening game against the defending champion New York Knicks on October 20 at Madison Square Garden, helping spoil the Knicks’ ring night with a 106-100 victory. The Knicks were celebrating their first NBA title in 53 years, having defeated the San Antonio Spurs in last season’s finals, and held a pregame ceremony to raise their championship banner.
James, now 41 and entering his 24th NBA season, contributed 14 points and seven assists in his first game with the 76ers, who acquired him this offseason. Speaking to NBC after the game, James acknowledged he was still adjusting to his new team after just over two weeks but expressed satisfaction with their defensive effort and overall performance. “I could be a lot better,” he said. “Still getting my rhythm.”
The 76ers received key contributions from Tyrese Maxey, who led all scorers with 28 points. Jaylen Brown, a recent high-profile addition from the Boston Celtics via a trade for Paul George, added 19 points along with eight rebounds and six assists. Joel Embiid recorded a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds. Philadelphia steadily chipped away at the Knicks’ lead in the second half and ultimately took control late in the third quarter, maintaining their advantage despite New York’s attempts to rally.
For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson led with 21 points while Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 points and 12 rebounds. Brunson, who was named NBA Finals Most Valuable Player last season, told fans during the banner-raising ceremony that the team was “ready to turn the page” but hoped to replicate last summer’s joy. Prominent Knicks alumni such as Bill Bradley, Earl Monroe, and Walt Frazier presented the championship rings in an emotional ceremony attended by celebrities including Ben Stiller, Spike Lee, Jon Bon Jovi, and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
James, a four-time NBA champion and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, remarked on the significance of winning on another team’s ring night, calling it “pretty special.”
In the second game of the evening’s triple-header, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs 116-104, powered by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 32 points. The Spurs’ highly anticipated rookie Victor Wembanyama struggled offensively, making only one field goal on 13 attempts, although he contributed 13 rebounds, six blocks, and 12 points largely from free throws. Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 24 points.
The game featured moments of tension, including a flagrant foul called on Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox in the second quarter after a hard foul on Thunder center Chet Holmgren, leading to technical fouls and a brief altercation. Despite multiple Spurs runs to reduce the deficit, the Thunder’s early momentum and consistent play secured the victory, marking a strong start to their season following a loss to the Spurs in last year’s Western Conference Finals. Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on the win, stating, “We’re just happy to be back,” emphasizing the longer offseason that follows a non-winning campaign.