LeBron Wins His 76ers Debut as Philadelphia Spoils Knicks' Banner Night 106-100

LeBron James made his Philadelphia 76ers debut a winning one, as the Sixers spoiled the New York Knicks' championship celebration with a 106-100 victory on opening night at Madison Square Garden. The defending champions watched their banner go up, but Philadelphia's star-studded new lineup — featuring LeBron alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown — stole the show on the court.
The 41-year-old didn't need long to make his mark. With three minutes left in the first quarter, James bullied his way past Landry Shamet under the basket and finished a pinpoint pass from Embiid for his first official bucket as a Sixer. Trailing at halftime, Philadelphia seized control in the third quarter, taking its first lead since the opening period on a James layup before Maxey and Anfernee Simons caught fire from deep. Maxey led all scorers with 20 points as the Sixers took an 83-76 lead into the fourth and held on.
Jalen Brunson scored 19 for New York, while Knicks newcomer Andre Drummond posted 15 points and 12 rebounds in the first half alone. The result carried extra sting for Philadelphia, which went 45-37 last season and was swept 4-0 by these same Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals before New York went on to win the title. One game into his latest chapter, LeBron has already handed the champions their first loss. (Photo: LeBron James in his 76ers #23 kit — file photo.)
Source: USA Today - read more
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