76ers Spoil Knicks' Championship Banner Night With Opening Victory

The Philadelphia 76ers, featuring new additions LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, defeated the New York Knicks 106-100 on Tuesday night, spoiling the Knicks' championship banner-raising ceremony at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks were celebrating their first championship banner since 1973.

Jaylen Brown, in his 76ers debut, scored 19 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out six assists. "It's good, what we wanted to do, be a little spoiler," Brown said after the game. "The Knicks’ accomplishment is great, but it’s a new season, new year."

The 76ers, considered contenders in the Eastern Conference, added James and Brown to a core that includes Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Maxey led the 76ers with 28 points, while James contributed 14 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Philadelphia established control in the third quarter with a 29-18 run, during which Brown scored 10 points. In the crucial final moments, the 76ers' defense limited Knicks star Jalen Brunson to 1-of-5 shooting.

"I don’t think we sent a message. We’re just trying to win as many games as possible, stack days," Brown added. "It’s still early for us. We’re still figuring out a lot of stuff. We still have a lot to learn and grow, but it’s good to learn and grow and win at the same time."

Last season, the Knicks swept the 76ers in the second round of the playoffs. "I told Tyrese after the game, I was like, ‘We’ve been going against these guys for the last couple of years.’ And, tonight felt a little different," said Embiid.

During the game, Knicks fans reminded James that the team had won a championship without him, chanting "We don't want you" when he was at the free-throw line. After the victory, James reflected on the significance of the night for the Knicks fans.

"It is a great night for New York fans, 50-plus years. I was a part of that at one point where we hadn’t won a major championship in Cleveland in over 50 years," James said. "The fans will never forget this moment, and will never forget that championship run. We’re happy just to be able to come and play on such a historical night in a historical building and play the game we love."