LeBron James began his record-extending 24th NBA season with 14 points and seven assists as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated defending champions New York Knicks 106-100 on opening night.
The 41-year-old, who joined Philadelphia from the Los Angeles Lakers during the summer, made his debut for his fourth NBA team as the 76ers overcame the Knicks after taking control in the third quarter.
Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia’s scoring with 28 points, while Jaylen Brown contributed 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists in his debut following his move from the Boston Celtics in a high-profile trade involving Paul George.
The Knicks had celebrated their championship success before the game by raising their third title banner at Madison Square Garden. They had ended a 53-year wait for the NBA crown last season by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals but could not carry that momentum into their season opener.
Jalen Brunson led New York with 21 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 19 points and 12 rebounds.
In another opening-night fixture, the Detroit Pistons rallied in the second half to beat the Boston Celtics 121-113. Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren scored 22 points each, while Duncan Robinson added 21 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter.
Detroit sealed the contest with a decisive 23-0 scoring run, overcoming a strong performance from Boston debutant Paul George, who finished with 38 points.
Meanwhile, reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points to guide the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 116-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
Stephon Castle led San Antonio with 24 points, but the Spurs were unable to reproduce the form that had helped them eliminate the Thunder in last season’s Western Conference finals.
Victor Wembanyama endured a difficult shooting night, making just one of his 13 field-goal attempts. However, he finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks, with 10 of his points coming from the free-throw line.
The three opening-night contests provided an early glimpse of the competition ahead, with Philadelphia, Detroit and Oklahoma City beginning their campaigns with victories.
