LeBron-started Philadelphia evitó la fiesta de los Knicks en el Garden

La noche started with a stolen celebration. Los Knicks put on the ring ceremony, lifted the championship banner and got ready to celebrate with their fans. Philadelphia arrived, with LeBron James making his first appearance for the Sixers, and won 106-100. The Garden saw the champions begin the new season with a home defeat.

It was LeBron's debut, and the scene was difficult to ignore. He played 34 minutes, scored 14 points, grabbed nine rebounds and added seven assists. His participation was solid without being overwhelming. The important part, for me, is that he arrived to a difficult setting and left with a victory that changed the mood of the night.

Tyrese Maxey took over the offensive side. The Sixers guard finished with 28 points and became the reference whenever Philadelphia needed to respond. James did not need to carry the scoring alone: Maxey gave the team a first option, while LeBron contributed from both the perimeter and the boards.

A triumph that interrupted the ceremony

New York did not only have a new season ahead. The Knicks had the championship banner ready to be raised in their own stadium. That ceremony made the loss even more uncomfortable. The arena expected celebration; instead, Philadelphia closed its first game of the campaign with a win that prevented the planned homage to the current champions.

LeBron's first night with the Philadelphia jersey therefore did not end with a simple individual debut. It became a complete team success. Maxey led the way, LeBron provided balance and the Sixers showed character away from home. A good debut is valuable. A victory against the defending champions in the Garden is a different kind of statement.

Now comes the harder test. One result does not make a contender, and we know it. But the way Philadelphia played gives reasons to keep watching. With James as a reference point, the Sixers have a player capable of organizing the game and a Maxey who can take responsibility for the scoring. The rest will have to be sustained over the season.

“La victoria no alcanza para definir una temporada, pero debutar ganando en el Garden y frente al equipo campeón deja una imagen muy fuerte para todo el entorno de Philadelphia.”Emiliano Gatica, Deportes

• LeBron James debut with Philadelphia: 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in 34 minutes.
• Tyrese Maxey was the top scorer for the Sixers, with 28 points.
• The Knicks could not complete the planned banner raising ceremony after the home loss.
• Philadelphia begins the 2026-27 season with a victory that strengthens its competitive projection in the Eastern Conference.