Tyrese Maxey scored 28 points as the Philadelphia 76ers spoiled the New York Knicks’ championship ring night and banner raising ceremony Tuesday, defeating the defending NBA champions 106-100 in a matchup marking LeBron James’ debut with his new team. James contributed 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Knicks Celebrate with Championship Banners and Rings Ceremony
The New York Knicks celebrated their 2026 NBA Championship title with a pre-game ceremony at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, raising a championship banner and distributing rings to players and staff. Designed by Jason of Beverly Hills, the rings feature nearly 800 diamonds and sapphires, incorporating an innovative retractable Madison Square Garden design, and are priced at $19,995 each, with only 200 pieces made available to fans, according to Morningstar. The Knicks also unexpectedly raised a banner commemorating their NBA Cup win from December 2025.
So tell me what’s wrong with the shirts the New York Knicks are giving out to every fan tonight for winning the NBA championship… 👀 pic.twitter.com/sOYgY8qVLZ
LeBron James Debuts For Philadelphia
LeBron James made his first appearance as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring 14 points with 9 rebounds and 7 assists in 34 minutes of play, according to USA Today. Despite the Knicks’ attempts to contain him, James demonstrated his playmaking abilities and defensive presence, while also drawing some spirited heckling from the MSG crowd as he stood on the free throw line.
Playing in his 24th NBA season to extend his all-time record, James arrived at Madison Square Garden wearing a dark double-breasted suit, a crisp white button-up underneath, and patent shoes. During the contest, he recorded 1 steal and 1 block alongside his 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists on 5-of-13 shooting. The 41-year-old superstar made his first basket for Philadelphia after taking a feed from Joel Embiid in the paint and going up strongly for a score. In the second half, James helped the visitors claw their way back, orchestrating transition sequences alongside newcomer Jaylen Brown and hitting key plays to help erase a double-digit deficit.
this not a goaltend? pic.twitter.com/pg8DldoG0k
Reflecting on the night and the venue where he once helped break a title drought, James noted the magnitude of the moment for fans who waited over 50 years for a championship. Fifty-plus years.
Maxey Paces Sixers Offense Against New York
Tyrese Maxey’s 28-point performance spearheaded the 76ers’ offense, including 3 steals and 3 blocks, while the team’s overall defensive effort stifled the Knicks, holding them to 37% shooting from the field, as reported by Liberty Ballers. The Sixers’ ability to move the ball effectively, with 28 assists on 37 field goals, proved important, according to PhillyVoice.
PSA: Jaylen Brown and LeBron James are Sixers pic.twitter.com/jLy2Mq5Ahc
Philadelphia’s revamped lineup also received a double-double contribution from Joel Embiid, who finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds while anchoring the paint with exceptional rim protection, adding 6 assists and 3 blocks. Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown made an impact in his club debut following his offseason arrival from the Boston Celtics, tallying 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Brown served as an explosive play-finisher in the third quarter, connecting on a pair of consecutive 3-pointers, including a buzzer-beating fadeaway from beyond the arc off an inbound play with 1.5 seconds remaining that handed Philadelphia an 83-76 lead.
Role players stepped up for head coach Nick Nurse’s squad. I think our guys were doing pretty good as far as being connected,
Nurse remarked. I think our focus has been really good.
Knicks Miss Shots In Season Opener
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the Knicks struggled to establish offensive consistency, with Jalen Brunson leading the team with 21 points but shooting just 6-of-19 from the field, as noted by amNewYork. OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges combined for only 18 points on 5-of-20 shooting. The Knicks’ bench, led by Andre Drummond’s 10 points and 10 rebounds, provided a spark, but ultimately couldn’t overcome the Sixers’ balanced attack.
New York leaned heavily on its championship continuity, utilizing a starting lineup that had played extensively together during their title run. An abysmal third quarter in which the home side shot just 5-of-21 from the field derailed their momentum. Former 76er Andre Drummond caused problems for Philadelphia’s frontcourt in the first half and finished with a double-double effort, pacing a second-unit surge that temporarily built a 38-28 lead in the second period, but the Knicks failed to maintain their advantage down the stretch as Philadelphia’s defense locked in.
Great play by the Sixers. Jaylen Brown now has 19 points. He had 10 points in the third quarter.Sixers outscored the Knicks 29 to 18 in the third quarterSixers lead 83 to 76 pic.twitter.com/Zfi8lPbajD
Players Evaluate Early Team Chemistry
And the intent and all that stuff that we’ve done has been really excellent as far as our mental prep.
And it's one game, but obviously, we can learn from good things that we did. We can learn from the bad things that we did tonight.
Jalen Brunson as Knicks lose home opener 106-100 to new-look LeBron-led Sixers:21 points6-19 FG3 assists pic.twitter.com/hXRAyl9JDX
Sixers Host Cavaliers On Thursday
The 76ers continue their season with a home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, according to PhillyVoice.
"One down, 81 to go.""Good dub, good team effort."@KingJames, @TyreseMaxey and the @sixers sound off on their season-opening win at MSG! pic.twitter.com/10w2nd5G7Y
More on LeBron James
LeBron James and Jaylen Brown make their Philly debuts, @sixers open the season with a W ‼️@KingJames: 14 PTS, 9 REB, 7 AST@FCHWPO: 19 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST pic.twitter.com/0tdCrZBsLP