LeBronstarted a Philadelphia with a victory that spoiled the Knicks' celebration

At 34 minutes into a game that was decided much earlier by Philadelphia's lead and New York's frustration, LeBron James had already made his first statement with the Sixers. The victory, 106-100, spoiled the Knicks' ceremony and prevented the raising of their championship banner at the Garden.

The setting could not have been more demanding. James made his debut in Philadelphia at Madison Square Garden, in front of the reigning NBA champions and with the presentation of their rings as the main event. The Sixers, however, did not play the role of guests. They won, and the planned celebration was interrupted.

A debut with impact

James finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. His numbers were not his usual offensive production, but they were complete and useful. The forward did not need to dominate the scoreboard to leave his mark. He contributed on the court and helped Philadelphia win a game with significant symbolic weight.

Tyrese Maxey took over the offensive lead. He scored 28 points and set the rhythm for Philadelphia. The difference between the two teams was that the Sixers had a player capable of answering the Knicks' offensive moments, while James supplied presence, balance and contributions beyond the basket.

The Knicks came with the expectation of celebrating their title, but they started the season with a home defeat. That changes the tone around their opening night. The banner was not raised, the ceremony lost its planned climax and the champions had to leave the Garden with a loss.

“The debut met the first basic goal: winning. The question is whether this team can keep that identity as the season advances.”Iván Kovacevich, Deportes

For Philadelphia, the victory is a strong beginning, not a finished argument. James arrives as part of a renewal project for the Sixers. The first game offers encouraging signs, especially in a difficult venue, but it will take several months to know whether the team can compete consistently among the strongest teams in the Eastern Conference.

• Sixers defeated the Knicks 106-100.
• James recorded 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in 34 minutes.
• Maxey led Philadelphia with 28 points.
• New York could not raise the championship banner at the Garden.
• The result opens the 2026-27 season with Philadelphia ahead of New York in the early standings.

The wind was another player in the Garden, rough around the arena and present throughout the night. Philadelphia withstood it. The Sixers won, LeBron debuted with a meaningful victory and the Knicks faced their first difficult night of the new season. The table and the next date will tell whether this was the beginning of something bigger.