LeBron James debuts with Sixers in Knicks championship night upset

Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New York Knicks 106-100 on Tuesday night, spoiling the reigning champions' homecoming ceremony at Madison Square Garden. The game marked the highly anticipated NBA debut of LeBron James, who joined Philadelphia after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers. At 41 years old, James recorded 14 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in his 24th season, a league record for longevity Source: La Vanguardia.

The evening was emotionally charged as the Knicks raised their 2026 championship banner for the first time in 53 years. However, the celebration was overshadowed by James’s hostile reception from the home crowd. Fans chanted "We don't want you" during free throws, referencing James's earlier comments that he would have preferred to end his career in New York had they not won the title Source: Clarín. The tension escalated when James confronted a fan, responding to provocations by asserting his Ohio roots: "I'm not a Midwest guy, I'm from Ohio" Source: La Vanguardia. Spike Lee, a prominent Knicks fan, intervened to de-escalate the situation Source: La Vanguardia.

Offensively, Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 28 points, while new acquisition Jaylen Brown contributed 19 points and six assists. Joel Embiid added 13 points and 11 rebounds. The Sixers built a decisive lead in the third quarter, outscoring New York 29-18, before holding off a late Knicks rally Source: El Día.

In other opening-night action, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs 116-104. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points, while Victor Wembanyama struggled significantly, shooting just 1-for-13 from the field for 12 points Source: El Nacional. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers, now in the post-LeBron era, secured a comfortable 127-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors. Luka Dončić led Los Angeles with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, signaling a strong start for the restructured roster Source: LA Times.