76ers Spoil Knicks Banner Night in 106-100 Win

The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New York Knicks 106-100 on Oct. 20, 2026, at Madison Square Garden on NBA opening night after the Knicks received championship rings and raised a banner for their first title in 53 years. Tyrese Maxey led all scorers with 28 points. In his 76ers debut, LeBron James had 14 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block. Jaylen Brown added 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists; Joel Embiid had 13 points and 11 rebounds. New York led 58-54 at halftime before Philadelphia outscored them 29-18 in the third. The 76ers shot 41.6 percent, with 22 points off turnovers and 24 fast-break points. Home fans booed when James' name was announced and chanted "We don't want you" at the free-throw line. James had said he had visions of finishing his career at the Garden but could not after the Knicks won a title. In the first half he had an animated exchange with a courtside fan, captured on video and addressed on NBC's broadcast; Spike Lee stood up at one point, though any banter role is unknown. James said, "Ain’t nothing soft in the Midwest. I don’t know what the f--- you talking about," and "I’m not from the West Coast. I’m from Ohio, baby." No physical altercation was reported. He is in his 24th season on the two-year deal. Contested: none found.