LeBron James Scores 14 on 76ers Debut in Season-Opening Win

LeBron James registered 14 points in his Philadelphia 76ers debut on NBA opening night, as his new team defeated the New York Knicks 106-100. The 41-year-old James, embarking on his 24th season, also added seven assists in the victory.

Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers in scoring with 28 points. Jaylen Brown, acquired in a trade from the Boston Celtics, contributed 19 points, eight rebounds, and six assists in his first game with Philadelphia.

The Knicks, celebrating their third championship title, raised a banner at Madison Square Garden prior to the game. They had ended a 53-year drought by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in last season's NBA Finals. Jalen Brunson scored 21 points for the Knicks, and Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 points and 12 rebounds.

"I could be a lot better," James told NBC after the game. "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."

In other opening night matchups, the Detroit Pistons secured a 121-113 win against the Boston Celtics. Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren each scored 22 points, with Duncan Robinson scoring 15 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter during a 23-0 scoring run for the Pistons. Celtics debutant Paul George scored 38 points in that game.

The Oklahoma City Thunder also began their season with a win, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 116-104. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the back-to-back MVP, scored 32 points for the Thunder. Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 24 points, while Victor Wembanyama recorded 12 points, 13 rebounds, and six blocked shots, making one field goal in 13 attempts.

"Obviously, this is the team that eliminated us from achieving our goal," Gilgeous-Alexander said of the Spurs, referencing last season's Western Conference finals. "But for us, I think it was more like we're just happy to be back. It's a longer summer when you don't win and we felt that this summer."