Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James drives against New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby during the second half of an NBA regular-season opener at Madison Square Garden. (Frank Franklin II / Associated Press)
The New York Knicks celebrated their NBA championship Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, yet hardly anything went according to plan. And LeBron James found himself smack dab in the swirl of the fierce and funny festivities.
James made his Philadelphia 76ers debut memorable, helping his new team defeat the Knicks, 106-100. Asked by NBC sideline reporter Zora Stephenson if he was enjoying spoiling the Knicks’ ring night, James grinned and said, “Yeah, I do. It’s pretty special.”
Last seen in Los Angeles bidding a hasty farewell after eight seasons with the Lakers — Times columnist Bill Plaschke wrote that “He left before the door could hit him in the butt” — James, 41, began his 24th NBA season by contributing 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in the 76ers’ victory.
LeBron James of the 76ers exchanges words with fans during a regular-season opener against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. (Sarah Stier / Getty Images)
And James did so even while jawing with courtside Knicks fans about using a helicopter to commute from his new home in New York to Philadelphia. Of course, famed director and Knicks fan fixture Spike Lee couldn’t stay out of it.
“Hey, LeBron, just because you have a helicopter and you live in New York doesn’t mean we’re gonna cheer for you,” one fan yelled, according to NBC broadcaster Mike Tirico. Another fan dinged James for being soft simply because he lived in L.A. for so long.
James couldn’t let that one go, yelling back, “Ain’t nothing soft in the Midwest. I don’t know what the f—- you talking about. I’m not from the West Coast, I’m from Ohio, baby.”
Lee, resplendent in a bright orange and blue pinstriped suit with matching hat, stood from his front-row seat, seemingly serving as conciliator. Much of the exchange was caught on camera by NBC, with Tirico and fellow broadcaster Reggie Miller providing commentary.
“[James] said hello to somebody over here,” Tirico said. “Spike Lee is over for a look and a chat. ... LeBron is taking the helicopter rides back and forth from Philadelphia to New York and engaged here in some front-row convo.”
Miller chimed in, “That’s the last thing you wanna do is get LeBron going here in this building.... And guess who’s playing peacemaker? Spike Lee! He’s over here playing peacemaker. Boy, I have seen everything.”
Fanatics is supplying James with the helicopter as part of a multiyear, exclusive trading card and collectibles contract signed in 2024. Although the deal raised the antenna of investigative reporter Pablo Torre — who won a Pulitzer Prize for uncovering the Clippers’ salary-cap circumvention with Kawhi Leonard — NBA commissioner Adam Silver called the helicopter arrangement “perfectly appropriate.”
LeBron James performs a pregame ritual before the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. (Caleb Bowlin / Getty Images)
Silver was at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night. The Knicks celebrated their first NBA championship in 53 years with a ring ceremony and raising a banner to the rafters. They did their best to laugh off a typo on the T-shirts fans received that proclaimed the team as the 2026-2027 champions.
Despite the testy exchange with fans and enduring their “We don’t want you” chant while he shot free throws, James softened what he had said to Stephenson, sidestepping a suggestion by a reporter that the 76ers ruined the Knicks’ celebration.
“I wouldn’t say that,” James said. “It was a great night for New York fans. Fifty-plus years. I was a part of that at one point where we hadn’t won a major championship in Cleveland in over 50 years. The fans will never forget this moment.”
But it’s a reality Green and the basketball world might have to reckon with. The 36-year-old, four-time NBA champion will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason after signing a one-year deal over the summer.
The Warriors signed Steph Curry to a two-year deal this past offseason, proving their intention of ensuring Curry retires with them.
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors looks on during a game against the LA Clippers at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., Wednesday, April 15, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
But Green and Curry aren’t in the same boat. Green knows this, and explained as much during a recent interview with CNBC.
“I would love to retire a Golden State Warrior. However, I’m also not Steph Curry, right? So I don’t have every luxury that Steph Curry has, and that’s okay. It’s such a rare thing to be on one team your entire career. And if I can accomplish that feat, I would love to,” Green said.
“I would love to play basketball next year… if that’s not here, I’m not going to retire. If I don’t [retire with the Warriors], great. But I’m extremely grateful for the journey that I’ve been on here. I don’t know how many years I have left in the NBA, let alone at this place. For me, it’s all about enjoying what’s in front of us.”
Stephen Curry (30) of the Golden State Warriors is greeted by Draymond Green (23) after Curry hit a 3-point shot to pass Ray Allen for the NBA’s all-time 3-point record with 2,974 3-pointers made in his career during the first quarter of a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021. Charles Wenzelberg/New York PostDraymond Green (23) of the Golden State Warriors points to the Los Angeles Lakers bench during the first half of a preseason game at Chase Center on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in San Francisco. Getty Images
Green is guaranteed one more season in Golden State. Perhaps his performance this season will determine whether he ends his career in the same place he started it.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 4: De'Anthony Melton #8 and Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 4, 2025 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors did not do much to revamp the roster this offseason, but head coach Steve Kerr has spent the summer emphasizing a shift in the team’s approach mentally and tactically. Kerr’s top assistants were replaced and Frank Vogel joined the staff to lead the team’s defensive scheme. On the other side of the ball, Kerr has been emphasizing integrating some new approaches to offense. Guard De’Anthony Melton talked at length to reporters about the changes.
Asked De’Anthony Melton to help explain what’s different this yr in #Warriors’ offense.
“Everybody over here is just so used to split-actions being run constantly. And I think now, it’s not going to be as many splits.”
Melton explained how the team’s new gameplan shifts the team’s emphasis away from split actions, which have been the Dubs calling card under Kerr. Of course, split actions are still going to be a key component of Golden State’s offense, but Melton expects them to be less frequent as the initial setup. Melton also reiterated Kerr’s comments at the end of the preseason that the team has not yet found its complete footing with the new scheme. We’ll see if they are able to find a rhythm early in the season.
Oct 14, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Julius Randle (30) looks to pass the ball as Miami Heat guard Klay Thompson (11) defends during the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Tonight is the night. After going through the dark days of tanking, a disappointing lottery, a promising draft and months of opinions on everything from the court design to the front office from the fan base, October 21 is the start of a new era. With the promise of a backcourt for the future and the addition of veterans including a three-time All-Star, the 2026-27 Brooklyn Nets will make their official debut! We’re glad, almost giddy to be back….
For the first game of the year — and for the second year in a row, the Nets will face the Charlotte Hornets on Opening Night. After completing a promise-filled season last year and trading their franchise star in Lamelo Ball to the Timberwolves this offseason, the Hornets will find where they stand in a newly loaded Eastern Conference. For the Nets, the organization’s long rehuild will head into a new era.
Where To Watch
Catch the action at 7:30 p.m. ET on the YES Network. You can also stream it live on DAZN.
Injury Report
Aside from Tyler Bilodeau (shoulder sprain), everybody is good to go.
For the Hornets, it’s not looking so good. Rookie of the Year runner-up Kon Knueppel will be out with a hamstring injury. Fellow backcourt mate Coby White will be out with a calf injury, along with Grant Williams (hamstring) and rookie Kylan Boswell (knee).
The Game
First and foremost, the Nets will not feature their projected starting lineup in the season opener. Mikel Brown Jr. will not be in the starting lineup. The No. 6 draft pick is still recovering from a rolled left ankle suffered early in camp. Although he played well in his lone preseason game — 15 points in 18 minutes — the Nets performance team is being cautious. MBJ will play with a minutes restriction and off the bench. His first official minutes as an NBA player will begin when he’s introduced not as a starter but from the bench. Think 24 minutes. That should still be enough to get his feet wet against NBA level competition…
Mikel Brown Jr. on starting vs. coming off the bench:
“If I come off the bench or I start, it’s still going to be me regardless. I don’t look at that stuff. If I start, I start. If I come off the bench, I come off the bench. Just continue to do what I do.” pic.twitter.com/2oKiCDJfgu
With that being said, Keon Ellis will likely be the starter for tonight, as his feisty defense mixed with his 40.7% career 3-point percentage should match up well with a stronger and more confident Egor Demin against the weakened Hornets. They sure looked good together every time they played.
Julius Randle will also be making his Nets debut tonight. After playing well during the preseason with averages of 14 points a game on 44% from the field, Randle looks to make his mark as a Brooklyn Net, as he did across the river where he was a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection as well as Most Improved Player. In a number of interviews, he’s spoken about he and his family are happy to be a part of the team.
And with Michael Porter Jr. at the other forward spot, Brooklyn will for the first time since the end of the Big Three era have two proven 20-point scorers on the roster. Combined the two averaged 46 points a game last season in Brooklyn and Minnesota.
Perhaps the most crucial debut in the starting lineup will be Day’Ron Sharpe who after Nic Claxton was dealt to Chicago in the Randle trade, he will be the starting center. He has been one of the NBA’s top offensive rebounders per 36 minutes off the bench. Now, he’ll finally get those 36 minutes!
It will be intriguing to see how the Nets bench will play. With Nolan Traore showing upside in his sophomore year, his ability to set the pace and get to the rim should give the Hornets’ guards trouble as well. Don’t be surprised whether tonight or in the future him combined with his 20-year-old teammates Demin and Brown Jr.
Player to Watch: Mike Brown Jr.
Most game previews, we look at the opponents’ top players, but on a special night like this, we’re going with a member of the home team. Admittedly, the Nets had hoped for a higher pick in the Draft Lottery. Despite the No. 6 pick being mathematically the most likely, fans as well as the organization had hoped for a top four pick.
It’s not that they didn’t like the Louisville product — they had him at No. 5 on their internal mock. They just like others (read Cam Boozer and Caleb Wilson) more. But since the Draft, they and the fans have come to forget the lottery. Brown Jr. is a rare player with multiple tools, including surprising athleticism (39.5” max vertical) and deep range (leading the NCAA in three’s from beyond 25 feet with 27.) More than that though as Sean Marks has said, he doesn’t act like a rookie. Now we’ll see if he plays like one!
Putting aside players to watch, fans should also be watching the head coach. Jordi Fernandez from the time he was hired back in April 2024 has been asked to prioritize getting a top pick, aka tank. Now, it’s only about winning.
The Vault
I mean if you ask me, this is the perfect song to begin a new era.
Aday Mara needed just one game to suddenly make the Thunder seem much better suited to handle Victor Wembanyama this season.
The Thunder’s 7-foot-3 rookie had a strong debut Tuesday and helped Oklahoma City hold the Spurs’ phenom to a career-worst shooting night in a 116-104 road win in a Western Conference finals rematch.
Mara scored seven points while adding two rebounds and one block in 12 minutes, including a pivotal third-quarter sequence where he blocked Wembanyama and then scored on the other end.
“He was awesome,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “Great poise, great impact. He had probably one of the stretches of the game — it’s a critical thing there when he blocked the shot and went down and finished the other end. He didn’t seem overwhelmed by the atmosphere of the game.
“I’m not really surprised by how he’s performed in preseason. I think he’s proven to be a very impactful player. His minutes weren’t high tonight but his impact was. Clearly, somebody we trust, put him in that game and we’re only going to trust him more after seeing how he performed in a high-level game.”
The Thunder and Spurs are both stocked with talent and seem destined to clash in the playoffs for years to come, meaning they both can build rosters with the other team in mind.
In last year’s conference finals, Wembanyama had his way against Oklahoma City to the tune of 27.3 points per game, 10.9 rebounds per contest and 2.7 blocks per game to eliminate the reigning champions.
Oklahoma City’s big-man duo of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein proved helpless in the series, with Holmgren particularly being ineffective.
The Thunder responded by using the No. 12 pick in the draft to select Mara out of Michigan after he helped the Wolverines win the national title.
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Aday Mara (15) blocks the shot of San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (1) during an NBA basketball game on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. NBAE via Getty Images
Adding the 262-pounder suddenly gave Oklahoma City another weapon to throw at Wembanayama, and he provided encouraging results Tuesday.
His highlight sequence came in the third quarter with Oklahoma City leading 82-70 when Mara blocked Wembanyama while he attempted to score on an alley-oop.
Moments later, Mara scored on an alley-oop.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, in San Antonio. AP Photo/FR115 AP
Mara told a Spanish outlet that he received a game ball for his efforts.
“I’m happy it’s official now,” he told CARTV, as reported by eurohoops.net. “I felt good playing, and I felt like I helped the team, so I’m happy.”
The trio of Mara, Holmgren and Hartenstein ultimately held Wembanyama to 13 points on 1 of 12 shooting to allow the Thunder to exact revenge for last year’s playoffs exit.
Aday Mara (15) of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket during a game against the San Antonio Spurs at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
“There’s always a variance to it,” Daigneault said of slowing down Wembanyama. “I thought he missed shots that he can normally make from the floor. I thought Chet did a great job on him. I thought Mara did a great job on him the possessions he had tonight.
“I thought we collectively had the right amount of response to him.”
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 13: Walker Kessler #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to the national anthem on October 13, 2026 at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Between a maddening lack of available bodies and a shortened preseason — and a questionable approach to it — the Los Angeles Lakers aren’t exactly entering the new year with the amount of reps and on-court chemistry most expected or wanted.
The new trio of Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler logged just one half together over the course of five unofficial games. Reaves entered training camp with a tweaked right ankle and Kessler suffered a jammed finger before games started. The lack of real reps as a squad is less than ideal for a team looking to hit the ground running, but the Lakers’ early-season schedule may end up working in their favor.
Their first ten games consist of the Warriors, Clippers and Trail Blazers twice each and matchups against the Jazz, Raptors, Heat and Kings. Although the league is much more competitive than it was even last season, the Lakers are projected to be better than every Western Conference team on this slate.
“I believe, as we are right now, we’re good enough to win a lot of games,” Reaves said after practice on Tuesday. “But I don’t think that we’re as good as we can be. I think that with the reps and the in-game competition and going through adversity will only build us to be better in the long haul. Trying to compete and win games early, especially while we’re still building that, everybody’s going to have to have a winning mentality.”
Asked Austin Reaves how the Lakers can remain competitive early in the season despite not getting a ton of reps together in the preseason.
Role players like Ziaire Williams, Adou Thiero, Collin Sexton and Cameron Carr wound up missing some, if not all, of the preseason games. Thiero (left knee effusion) and Carr (right oblique strain) are officially out for the season-opener against the Warriors, while Sexton (right soleus strain) is questionable.
Health will always be a concern over the course of an 82-game season, but with the opportunity to get out ahead in the wins column, how are the Lakers going to balance ramping up their connectivity and remaining competitive enough to win games?
“That’s what it is, it is a balance,” JJ Redick said. “Because, again, you have to keep the perspective of the whole. But these guys know, we had a conversation the other day, every time we step on the floor the expectation is [that] you’re going to compete to win and you’re going to try and win a basketball game and you’re going to do it to our standards.
“The guys understand that. So, I don’t think that’s a difficult balance to find.”
Los Angeles enters the season with the 18th-toughest schedule in the NBA, a ranking that is only going to rise as the season winds on. That generous start, then, could help the Lakers make up for what they missed in the preseason.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 16: Head Coach Thom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks watches his team play against the Chicago Bulls on December 16, 2022 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. New York defeated Chicago 114-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As Kenny Atkinson and the Cleveland Cavaliers gear up for arguably their most consequential season of this era, they are soliciting any and all advice. Former NBA head coach Thom Thibodeau attended the Cavs’ practice on Tuesday, according to Atkinson, to gather his feedback. There has not been any indication that the Cavs have hired Thibodeau in any capacity.
“We’re a continuous learning organization, seeing who can we learn from,” Atkinson said after practice. “I’ll ask for his feedback, what he thought of practice.”
Kenny on Thibs visit:
"We're a continuous learning organization, who can we learn from. … I'll ask his feedback what he thought of practice. … I pretty much feel comfortable with anybody in our coaching circle just to invite or go visit them. … It's great to get feedback." https://t.co/gphOb1GWeypic.twitter.com/N6tiD7yjJS
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can buy the comfortable Cavs hoodie HERE. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE.
Thibodeau, 68, did not coach in the NBA last year after being fired by the New York Knicks. Prior to that, he spent five seasons with the Chicago Bulls (2010-2015) and another three years with the Minnesota Timberwolves (2016-2019).
Atkinson said he “pretty much feels comfortable” with anybody in the coaching circle visiting or going to visit them. While the exact reason for Thibodeau’s visit was not explained, it is not uncommon for teams to ask for information from former coaches — or even bring them on board. The Cavs also hired former Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings head coach Dave Joerger as a consultant in 2023-24, before being whisked away to join Doc Rivers in Milwaukee.
In his time as both an assistant and head coach, Thibodeau gained a reputation for building elite defenses. In his first four seasons with Chicago, the Bulls posted a top-six defensive rating. The Knicks teams he coached also consistently finished in the upper tiers of most defensive metrics, despite not having a traditional anchor center. The Cavs, after losing their edge on that end last season, are looking to get back to being a top defense.
Like those Bulls teams that had Joakim Noah at center, the Cavs have a traditional big in Jarrett Allen. And, again, like the Chicago teams of that era, the Cavs do not have a strong defensive backcourt. Atkinson, mostly known for his offensive scheming, very well could be looking to Thibodeau for tips on upgrading the defensive game plan. Thibodeau ran a heavy help defense with aggressive pick-and-roll coverage, a real “hair-on-fire” mentality that relies on disciplined rotations and strong closeouts. The Cavs, many times last season, were one or two steps late on rotations and looked slack in getting back on defense after a miss. With an upgraded Eastern Conference, the Cavs must be better on defense if they not only want to advance to the NBA Finals, but just get back to the Conference Championship as well.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates with Tyrese Maxey #0 after scoring a basket to end the third quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There was plenty of digital ink spilled breaking down the new-look Sixers this summer.
On Tuesday night, the time for words was over as we got our first look at LeBron James, Jaylen Brown and the 2026-27 Sixers — and the early returns were impressive. They spoiled banner night at MSG, taking down the defending champion New York Knicks 106-100.
There are things to iron out, but we’ll focus more on the positives from a gritty opening night win.
Defense wins …
The biggest question surrounding this iteration of the Sixers is how things would work defensively. It’s just one game, but if it’s any indication, pretty damn good.
There were unsurprising aspects, like VJ Edgecombe and Jaylen Brown doing a terrific job on Jalen Brunson. The reigning Finals MVP scored 21 points but needed 19 shots to get there. Though he might not be the elite defender he was in his prime, the 41-year-old James showed off his elite basketball IQ and physicality, spending a lot of time defending Karl-Anthony Towns.
The biggest surprises on that end might’ve been the two longest-tenured Sixers.
Tyrese Maxey was the best player on the floor and not just because of his game-high 28 points. Maxey posted three steals and three blocks. Opponents routinely picked on Maxey throughout the early stages of his career. We’re at a point now where teams will pay the price for doing so. When he was drafted by the Sixers, Maxey said Jrue Holiday was one of his favorite players because of his two-way ability. As Maxey has gotten bigger, stronger and smarter, he’s been way more impactful on that end.
But there was no bigger pleasant surprise than the way Joel Embiid moved defensively. Brunson relentlessly picked on Embiid last year in the playoffs. Embiid was much more spry, varying the looks like he showed Brunson in the pick-and-roll, even hanging tough on a couple switches. In the second half, the Sixers put James on KAT and Embiid on Josh Hart. That type of strategy wasn’t physically possible for Embiid the last couple seasons.
In his prime, Embiid was a Defensive Player of the Year finalist and one of the best rim protectors in the sport. This was the first time in at least two years where he looked like that guy.
Knicks are 12-31 in the paint with Joel on the floor tonight. Had a couple of big blocks on Drummond.
It’s just one game (and it’s fair to be skeptical of Embiid keeping this up over the long haul), but what a tremendous effort on the defensive end.
Mad Maxey
I’ve been saying all offseason I believed Maxey would be this team’s leading scorer. On opening night, he scored 28 and was the only Sixer to score 20-plus. Now, matchups will dictate things on many nights, but Maxey being able to blend his elite off-ball scoring with the on-ball experience he’s gotten over the past two seasons is going to make him lethal.
Maxey scored the first two baskets of the game on a pair of threes — one off an Embiid screen and the other off the dribble in transition after a steal. This team talked all summer about wanting to get out in transition. Maxey led that charge in a big way. His speed paired with his shooting ability make him nearly impossible to guard, especially with the gravity of guys like Embiid, James and Brown.
As mentioned, what stood out even more was Maxey’s work on the defensive end. I’d argue this was the best two-way performance of Maxey’s career. Hell of a night.
Anfernee and KCP for three
It was an abysmal shooting night for both teams. Along with defense, three-point shooting was looked at as a possible sore spot for this loaded roster. That’s likely why Mike Gansey signed Anfernee Simons early in free agency, a move that showed dividends on opening night.
Simons showed off his microwave scoring ability in the first half with a slick finish off a drive and a midrange pull-up off a screen. In the second half, Simons helped the Sixers flip the game, nailing three threes in the third quarter. He has such a quick release and flawless form. I also love the way Nurse used him coming off screens like a true movement shooter — something Nurse didn’t really do for Jared McCain. Credit to Nurse and credit to Simons for being ready when his number was called, despite missing the entire preseason.
Most of the game was a mixed bag for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, but like Simons, the veteran wing hit big shots. A pair of KCP threes in the fourth quarter helped the Sixers stay on top. It’s nice for the Sixers to have a stabilizing player. Nobody expects KCP to go off for 30, but he’s going to be where he’s supposed to be and will (hopefully) make open shots.
The Sixers’ bench was a glaring weakness last season. This type of production from Simons and KCP (and hopefully Dean Wade when he’s healthy) could make a huge difference in the postseason.
Offensive rebounds an issue (evergreen)
You had to just laugh as Andre Drummond took it to his former team in the first half. With Towns in foul trouble, Drummond gave the Knicks great early minutes with 10 points and 12 rebounds, including six offensive boards. New York had eight as a team in the first half.
The Sixers did a better job in the second half. The Knicks had six offensive boards, but they also missed a ton of shots and one of those rebounds was on the final possession with the game already decided.
Rebounding has been an issue for Embiid the past couple years, but he had 11 in a solid effort on the glass. James and Brown are also great rebounders for their positions. James pulled down nine boards while Brown had eight. It’s going to be a group effort.
And the backup center will need to be better there.
Backup center an issue (super duper evergreen)
Speaking of, it was not a banner night for Adem Bona. I won’t crush him here because he did miss basically all of training camp and didn’t play at all in the preseason. It’s a hell of an ask to have him out there guarding KAT and battling Drum on the boards. With that said, the Sixers are going to need way more from the third-year big man.
Jabari Walker got a quick look, but this probably wasn’t the best matchup for him against two legitimately big centers. Nurse even briefly used LeBron at the five when Embiid picked up his third foul late in the first half.
Embiid was a +13. Bona was a -1 and Walker was a -6. As the great poet once said, same as it ever was.
I know a lot of people think the Sixers should simply try to get to December when they can sign a veteran to a standard deal. A couple more outings like this could test that. This is an all-in team. Gansey can’t mess around for too long.
It won’t get much easier for Bona and Walker — they go up against Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen when the Sixers host the Cleveland Cavaliers in the home opener Thursday.
Bonus fun fact
Jaylen Brown was a game-high +17.
Take that, nerds.
(In all seriousness, Brown was awesome in his Sixers debut. He looked like a two-way stud.)
So much so that before Kobe Bryant attended a Lakers game as a fan in 2019 alongside his daughter, Gianna, he learned some Slovenian so he could trash-talk the then-Mavericks’ superstar from his courtside seat.
“We can say that it was meant to be,” Dončić told the California Post in an exclusive interview.
Dončić has consistently mesmerized anyone who has watched him play, even a five-time champion with the Lakers who showed his admiration with attempted subterfuge.
None of this is lost on Dončić. In fact, if there’s one thing that’s nearly as important to him as winning his first NBA championship, it’s inspiring anyone who watches him play, something that has long come naturally to him.
Dončić had a cult following when he became the youngest player in EuroLeague history to win the MVP Award at age 19 en route to leading Real Madrid to a championship.
While playing for the Mavericks, he was so beloved that his fans were likened to “Swifties,” the nickname for Taylor Swift’s passionate fanbase. When Dončić was stunningly traded to the Lakers in February 2025, Mavericks fans were so devastated that they protested outside American Airlines Center, canceled season tickets, chanted for then-Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison to be fired (he was nine months later), and even famously brought a casket to the arena to mourn their superstar’s departure.
Now Dončić is in Los Angeles, a city with 12 professional sports teams and Hollywood.
He’s a different type of superstar than the Lakers have ever had: He’s European, he’s a team-first player and he’s shy. So, he’s the opposite of other fan favorites, such as Magic Johnson or Bryant.
The big question?
Can Dončić win over LA?
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) warms up before a game against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
It’s something LeBron James struggled with despite playing eight seasons for the Lakers and leading the franchise to its first championship in 10 years in 2020 before he left for the 76ers in free agency in July.
Austin Reaves believes things will play out differently for Dončić.
“I think with the Bron situation it was a little different just because Bron and Kobe were battling for the best player in the NBA for multiple years, so Lakers fans at the time probably hated LeBron,” Reaves told the California Post. “Not that they didn’t accept him when he was here, but they still probably had the ‘Kobe is better’ type of mentality. But they don’t have that with Luka. He was kind of after Kobe. They don’t have a reason not to embrace him like a Kobe or someone else who was a Laker legend.”
Dončić is doing his part to endear himself to Laker fans.
Last season, he led the league in scoring (33.5 points), was third in assists (8.3) and finished fourth in MVP voting.
And off the court, he has poured himself into contributing to the LA community. That includes committing $500,000 to fire recovery efforts through the Luka Dončić Foundation in February 2025, partnering with Jordan Brand to pay for Lakers fans’ parking near Crypto.com Arena before his first home game against the Mavericks, paying for the entire cost of restoring a vandalized mural of Kobe and Gianna in downtown in April 2025 and donating $5 million to 77 young athletes around the world after signing a three-year, $165 million extension with the Lakers in August 2025.
Ahead of the Lakers’ season opener against the Warriors on Wednesday, Dončić is funding free Metro Bike Share rides for 30 minutes. He also took out a full-page ad in the LA Times in which he promised fans the Lakers will give everything they have this year.
“I think it’s just very important to me to do a lot of connection with the fans,” Dončić told the California Post. “Before every game at home, I sign things and I take pictures. When we go on the road, I take pictures. I think for me, it’s giving back to the fans the way they supported me. The way they care for me. It’s very important to give back to them.”
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers signs memorabilia for a fan against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles. NBAE via Getty Images
In many ways, the Lakers struck gold with Dončić.
Not only do they have someone who’s an impossible-to-solve puzzle for defenders with his constant changing of pace, but they have a player who’s deeply loyal.
Dončić wanted to spend his entire career in Dallas, an increasingly rare sentiment for superstars who are quick to jump franchises while chasing championships. When Dončić was dealt to the Lakers, he threw his phone across the room. He felt hurt. Shocked. Betrayed.
But over the last season and a half, a dramatic shift has occurred.
“After that, at training camp last year, I felt I was where I belonged,” Dončić told the California Post. “I feel very good in LA. I’m very excited. Very happy. Obviously it’s a beautiful place to live. But just being with the Lakers organization, being a part of it, it’s such an honor. It’s amazing to be here.”
Dončić has embraced the whiplash-inducing change he never envisioned.
When asked if he wants to retire as a Laker, he didn’t hesitate.
“Hopefully, yeah,” Dončić told the California Post. “But as you know in this NBA business, you never know what’s going to happen. But I feel like I’ve found something here that’s very comfortable for me. And hopefully [that happens].”
His buy-in was obvious last spring when he had a stunning stretch in March, averaging 37.5 points, 8 rebounds and 7.4 assists while carrying the Lakers to a 15-2 record. And it was undeniable over the summer when he paid for his teammates to fly to Slovenia where he hosted a four-day mini camp so they could build chemistry and get to know the real him.
Luka Doncic (77) of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
“He didn’t choose this,” Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean told the California Post of Dončić getting traded to Los Angeles. “But he’s embracing it. And I think when he looks back on his career, this opportunity is going to be one of the best things that ever happened to him, becoming a Laker.”
Dončić’s popularity boomed overnight when he was dealt to the Lakers. It became one of the biggest national stories at the time — and not just in sports.
Several companies took advantage of the moment, including Dallas-based Southwest Airlines, which wrote on Instagram, “It’s not like we traded Luka,” in response to the backlash it was receiving for ending its free checked bag policy.
Dončić was front and center. He was a buzzword. And he was also the clear No. 1 priority in a locker room he was sharing with James, who’s arguably the greatest player of all-time.
It was a lot.
Especially for someone like Dončić, who prefers hardwood floors over red carpets and sunlight over spotlights. When asked what he wants fans to most know about him, he flashed a shy smile.
“I’m a very simple guy, probably just stay home mostly,” Dončić told the California Post. “I’m just a chill guy, a simple guy.”
He’s not outspoken. He’s not the type of player who advocates for himself. He’s not statuesque. He’s not LA. But ironically, that’s why LA is falling in love with him.
“He’s not the fastest or can’t jump the highest, so people can see themselves in him,” said Michael Morales, a 42-year-old longtime Lakers fan. “And that makes it exciting to watch him score 50 points on the huge guys out there.”
Dončić lets his play do the talking.
Last March, he became the first player to average 40 points over six road games since Michael Jordan in 1986. Yet he fell in NBA.com’s MVP rankings at the time from No. 2 to No. 4. Still, he declined to advocate for himself, saying, “I never did that, so I’m not going to.”
That doesn’t mean he doesn’t deeply want to win an MVP award, especially as the face of one of the most globally celebrated franchises in sports.
“It would definitely mean a lot,” Dončić told the California Post. “Obviously a championship, that’s what you play for every game. That’s what you train for everyday. But obviously it would be nice to win the MVP also. Not everybody can say they have an MVP, so obviously that would be nice.
“But that comes with the team first. If you don’t play good, you’re never going to win championships or MVP. So, we’ve got to play good. I’m very excited to go to war with these people. I think we had a great training camp and we’re ready to go.”
Doncic’s fans have come to appreciate his understated nature as part of his charm. On the court, he’s a trash-talking, offensive wizard. Off it, he’s a quiet guy who loves his friends, family and golf.
Reaves believes it’s inevitable that Doncic will win over Los Angeles as deeply as he won over Dallas.
“He’s going to be here for another 10 years or so, for however long he wants to play,” Reaves told the California Post. “I think just with more time and seeing his brilliance on the court every single night, I think people have no choice but to love what he does and how he does it.”
But there’s no denying that Doncic isn’t the typical superstar Laker fans have idolized.
So, how is somebody like that supposed to win over a fanbase accustomed to charismatic superstars who love cameras as much as A-list actors?
It’s a hard question to answer.
But then again, Doncic got the stamp of approval from Bryant, one of the all-time Laker favorites who was known to be very stingy with his respect.
It’s something Doncic often thinks about as he dons a purple and gold jersey.
“I was playing and he talked to me, it was actually insane,” Dončić told the California Post. “I was a little bit starstruck to get that respect from the guy that Kobe was which was unbelievable to me.”
It’s something that left a deep impression on Doncic.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 7: James Worthy takes a photo before the Oklahoma City Thunder game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 7, 2023 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Almost two months ago, we announced the release of our new app, which you can find here or by searching SB Nation in your neighborhood app store. The app is available in North America, and we’re working on Europe and the rest of the world as we speak!
Quite a few of you have downloaded it over the past seven weeks and have been using it, but because we were at the quietest part of the NBA offseason, it’s also entirely possible a few of you missed it!
The goal with this app was to make it easier to join the community, and specifically comment, read the comments, and make your own posts, as well as keeping all the community posts – articles on the front page, Feed posts from you – front and center.
One of the most exciting new features is the game chat, which some of you may have already test-driven during the preseason. It makes it easier to follow along with the barrage of comments that come during games, and gets to the heart of why so many of you spend time in our community. Faster loading comments and notifications when someone replies to your comments and Feed posts are creating a more fun experience that you’re not going to find anywhere else.
We also wanted to elevate the community’s contributions by putting your Feed posts inside one stream alongside all the other articles from the site. To that end, more people have seen your posts and more people have commented on them. In fact, we’ve set single-day commenting records three different times in the last several weeks.
And if you prefer just reading our traditional front page articles, there’s an option at the top to do that.
So, thanks for making us part of your routine. If you haven’t checked it out, you can get the app for iOS or Android. And if you’re not an app user, that’s OK! We’re glad to have you following along in whatever way makes you most comfortable.
NBA fans, game day is better on the SB Nation app!
React to every crossover, alley-oop, and block alongside fellow basketball fans in real time.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht (4) walks toward the bench during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in San Francisco.
The 25-year-old’s two-year run with Los Angeles was tumultuous. Knecht, though, remained classy when addressing his now former franchise with a Facebook post after being released.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht (4) walks toward the bench during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in San Francisco. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
“Thank you, Los Angeles. Thank you to the Lakers organization, my teammates, the coaching staff, and especially the fans who supported me from day one. Wearing the purple and gold was an honor I will always cherish. Every moment, every lesson, and every opportunity helped me grow not only as a player but also as a person,” Knecht wrote.
“Things may not always go the way we expect, and sometimes life takes us in a different direction. Leaving this chapter behind is never easy, but I will always be grateful for the opportunity to represent one of the greatest franchises in NBA history. The love, the support, and the memories will always mean something special to me.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) dribbles the ball during a game against the Denver Nuggets, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. NBAE via Getty Images
“To the Lakers fans, thank you for believing in me, cheering for me, and being part of this journey. Although my time in Los Angeles may be over, my passion for the game remains the same. This is not the end of my story. It is simply the beginning of another chapter.
“Forever grateful for the purple and gold. / Thank you, Lakers Nation. .”
Dalton Knecht’s Facebook post after being released by the Los Angeles Lakers. (X/@lakeshowmnl).
Credit to Knecht for showing nothing but love to the Lakers’ franchise and fan base.
The No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft will now look to carve out a role for himself in another organization.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Miles McBride #2 of the New York Knicks battle for possession on a jump ball during the second quarter of the game at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Isn’t it great to start the season with a loss in the standings…
…and a banner in the rafters?
Here’s what your Knickerbockers and Sixonians said after yesterday’s affair, one of 82 regular-season games. Breathe.
"I want to win, don't get me wrong. Don't get that twisted at all. I want to freaking win, but not at the expense of us skipping steps in the process."
On the Knicks’ championship ring ceremony and the organization’s efforts to organize it:
“I would like to give, and I don’t know who was behind it, but you know, obviously starting with Mr. Dolan and everybody else, you know, did a fantastic job with the ceremony.
“So I would like to acknowledge, you know, everybody else who was behind it. You know, okay, like you said, everybody, you know, you guys did a fantastic job; they weren’t mud like us, so thank you.”
On the Knicks’ performance in their season-opening loss to the 76ers:
“You know, what an ugly game. I want to give the 76ers, Nick Nurse and his team, a lot of credit. A long night for them, but they came out and they tried to do what they needed to do to get a win, so you give them credit first of all. But there were some things that we could have done better. Our transition defense was not good with our starting group in the third quarter. All throughout the game we looked like we were running in mud. Whether it was in the front court or it was in transition, we were not good getting to our spots and putting pressure on Philadelphia the right way… We talked about taking care of the ball. We did a little bit better job. But in a one- or two-possession game when you have 15 turnovers for 22 points, it makes it tough.”
On the Knicks’ slow movement and poor offensive spacing:
“Part of us looking like we were running in mud was our spacing wasn’t great. We were walking everywhere, which hurt our spacing.”
On the Knicks’ transition defense and the 76ers’ fast-break scoring:
“They had nine fast-break points in the first half [in how the Knicks track it]. And then in the second half, they had 19 fast-break points. That’s where the game was won and lost, especially in the third quarter when our starters were out there.”
On how difficult the Knicks’ opening-night performance was to watch:
“I don’t know about you guys, but that was a tough one for me to watch.”
On why a late Jalen Brunson comeback would not have satisfied him even if the Knicks had won the game:
“If Jalen Brunson hits those shots down the stretch and we win, for me personally as their coach, there’s going to be something inside of me that wished it wouldn’t happen. It’s almost like you’re playing with fire and you ended up winning that time without any water or one of them fire blankets to cover the fire.”
On why the Knicks must improve their execution instead of relying on Brunson’s late-game heroics:
“Is (Brunson) capable of making those shots? Yes. But if we played the right way, then it wouldn’t come down to that. But we put ourselves in a hole not doing the little things. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. And we have to watch the film and regroup and see how we can put a stretch of 48 minutes together.
“I want to win. Don’t get me wrong. Don’t get it twisted. I want to friggin’ win. But not at the expense of us skipping steps. So if he hits those shots down the stretch and we win, as a coach, there’s going to be something inside of me that wouldn’t be happy. Because it’s like you’re playing with fire, and you ended up winning that time without any water.”
On Andre Drummond’s debut:
“I thought that he played with a lot of bounce and energy. We probably ran him a little too long there because it looked like in the second half, not just him but all five of our starters too, ran a little bit out of gas.
“I have to keep getting to know him to see where the minutes may lie for him to be effective for us, but I thought that he was really really, really good on both ends of the floor during the first half.”
On the importance of the little things after the Knicks’ opening-night loss:
“We put ourselves in a hole not doing the other little things and, you know, sometimes it works at the end of the game, sometimes it doesn’t.”
On balancing the Knicks’ championship celebration with their opening-night responsibilities:
“It’s tough because, knock on wood, this could be a once in a lifetime thing. You never know. It’s hard. It’s hard to accomplish something like this.
“You definitely want guys to embrace it and celebrate it with each other because they went through a lot, with the fans, with the rest of the organization, and just with their families. So you don’t want to take that moment away from them. But in the same breath we obviously have a job to do tonight.”
On the Knicks’ slow start not defining their season:
“I keep telling myself that no matter what happens tonight — if we win by five, if we win by 20, if we lose by five, if we lose by 20 — there’s a lot of basketball left. Just because of whatever happens tonight is not going to define us. I would rather them enjoy the moment than me cutting it short or carving into their emotions based on their families and all that stuff being here. Like I said, it’s going to be hard to do, but that’s what we get paid to do so we’ll figure it out one way or another.”
On the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden and the uniqueness of Knicks fans:
“Opening nights are always exciting for everybody and anybody. It’s the start of something new for everybody. It’s fresh. Everybody is energized. You feel the buzz. I don’t care where you are, you feel a buzz. Obviously, here, with our fans, Knicks fans are just different. It’s as simple as that. They’re absolutely friggin’ different. And the buzz has been going on for a while. And you felt it today.
“I had a million texts coming. And usually during the course of the season, I have a couple texts coming before the game. But it was a boatload of them on the way. Couple of calls. … But you can feel it from the correspondence that get, which is different from a regular season game.”
On the Knicks raising a banner to commemorate their 2025 NBA Cup championship:
“I think it’s a recognition of what our journey was like last year. There were obviously a lot of ups and downs. Our guys rallied, found a way to win the NBA Cup and then (the) end-of-season final.”
"I think it's good for us to kind of get knocked down off the mountain, humble ourselves, put our egos in check and see what's going to happen."
Jalen Brunson talks about the Knicks losing tonight and how it can help them improve: pic.twitter.com/sDFWPHE4Lh
On the Knicks needing to humble themselves after losing their season opener:
“I think it’s good for us to get knocked down off the mountain, humble ourselves, put our egos in check. I’ve told you guys since day one, whatever happens the first couple of weeks of the season, I’m not sure that’s who we really are.”
On the 76ers’ performance and his own shooting struggles:
“They’re really good and they made things difficult for us. Obvious for me, shots weren’t falling. We can make all the excuses in the world. Like I said, I’m just happy we can move forward now.”
On what failed for the Knicks in Tuesday’s loss:
“Transition defense, yeah. Our offense, I think we were good in spurts. But it’s not good enough.”
On the challenges of defending a championship after receiving so much praise:
“It’s going to be difficult. You have everyone praising us about what we’ve done a couple months ago. It’s just human nature.”
On thanking Knicks fans during the championship banner ceremony:
“Most importantly, I want to say thank you to you guys for not leaving Game 4. We really appreciate it. I mean, this is, as much as we won this, we wouldn’t have won this without you guys, I mean, this is unbelievable. This is really good. A dream come true.
“I know we’re all excited to get this season going. We’re ready to turn the page as a team. But one thing, I would like to say, the joy that this city had this summer we would love to replicate that again. Thank you, guys. Let’s raise this banner.”
On pursuing another NBA championship rather than defending last season’s title:
“Every year, it’s a new year to attack something. When people say we’re defending the title, I mean, that’s one way to look at it. But it’s something we won, we’ve put it in our past, and now we’re just trying to attack another.”
"It was super dope. A moment you dream of."
Josh Hart talks about getting his championship ring in front of the Knicks' fans at Madison Square Garden: pic.twitter.com/W9H9risFrk
On the Knicks’ mentality after losing their season opener:
“We play basketball for a living. If you can’t get up and get excited to play basketball, no matter who the hell we play, you got to do some soul-searching. It doesn’t matter if we’re defending champs, it doesn’t matter if we have the worst record in the league last year. No matter what we got to make sure we are professionals and do what our job is and at the end of the day, I don’t think anybody picked us to win the championship again.
“So nothing to it. We shouldn’t sit there and think we’re the champions because we’re not. We’re 0-1. We’re the worst team in the NBA as of right now. So we need to play like it.”
On the improved Eastern Conference and the Knicks’ need to dictate how they play:
“Obviously, they played well, and the East got shaken up a little bit. We have to make sure we’re prepared for what every team is going to try and do, and what we want to do. We can’t let them dictate what we want to do. For us, nothing changes. It’s the same ol’ process. We have to make sure we perfect it the best we can.”
"To celebrate one last time with the fans, it means a lot. We wanted to give them a better version of ourselves tonight than we did, but it was really special to have that moment here again in New York after 53 years."
On the Knicks failing to match the level of play of last season’s team:
“I just thought that we put ourselves too much in a deficit, and you know we’re not that Knick team yet from last year.”
On banner night:
“To celebrate one last time with the fans, it means a lot. We wanted to give them a better version of ourselves tonight than we did, but it was really special to have that moment here again in New York after 53 years.”
LeBron James was asked what it was like for the 76ers to come into Madison Square Garden and win on the Knicks' ring night and banner raising:
"It was a great night for New York fans. Obviously, it's something… 50+ years. I was a part of that at one point where we hadn't won a… pic.twitter.com/6G6LuXYi2N
On the Knicks receiving favorable officiating on Tuesday after winning the championship:
“They getting that championship whistle. They win one chip, they get a championship whistle.”
On the 76ers’ defensive rebounding adjustments against the Knicks:
“I thought in the first half we played good first-stop defense, but we gave up some second-chance points. They got some threes off of us not closing with a defensive rebound so. I was really conscious about that [in the second half].”
On the satisfaction of spoiling the Knicks’ championship celebration:
“Yeah, I do (enjoy it). It’s pretty special.”
On the significance of the Knicks’ championship celebration and their 53-year title drought:
“I was a part of that at one point, where we hadn’t won a major championship in Cleveland in over 50 years. The fans will never forget this moment, never forget that championship run. We’re happy that we’re just able to come play on such a historical night, in a historical building, and play the game that we love.”
On the 76ers’ execution in the fourth quarter:
“It’s still going to take some time. It’s one game, but obviously we can learn from the good things that we did, we can learn from the bad things that we did tonight. I thought, in the fourth quarter, we did a good job of executing. We did a good job of pressing the tempo when we got the lead. And when they cut the lead, we made some timely shots.”
On his early chemistry with the 76ers and their defensive performance:
“Obviously, just a little bit over two weeks with the new squad. But yeah, I like the way we played. I think we played exceptionally well, especially defensively.”
On his confrontation with a Knicks fan courtside:
“Ain’t nothing soft about the Midwest, I don’t know what the f–k you talking about. I’m not from the West Coast… I’m from Ohio, baby.”
Jaylen Brown on where the team is at right now:
“We got talent, we just gotta play four quarters uhh 48 minutes and see what happens from there” pic.twitter.com/EjSt6tNXHK
On defense being the foundation of the 76ers’ opening-night victory:
“Defense is what kept us in it. Defense is what we’ll have to continue to hand our hat on. If we keep a team within 100 [points], we’ll always give ourselves a chance to win. So, it’s non-negotiable. We gotta play defense.”
On spoiling the Knicks’ championship celebration:
“It’s good, what we wanted to do, be a little spoiler. The Knicks’ accomplishment is great, but it’s a new season, new year.”
On whether the 76ers sent a message to the NBA with their win over the reigning champs:
“I don’t think we sent a message. We’re just trying to win as many games as possible, stack days. It’s still early for us. We’re still figuring out a lot of stuff. We still have a lot to learn and grow, but it’s good to learn and grow and win at the same time.”
On the 76ers’ chemistry and potential for improvement:
“I think it was just OK. We got a lot of room for growth, room for improvement. We’re not even at the tip of the iceberg in terms of hitting chemistry … So it’s a good sign that we can win while still being at that early stage.”
On how different the 76ers felt against the Knicks with their new roster:
“I told Tyrese after the game, I was like, ‘We’ve been going against these guys for the last couple of years.’ And, tonight felt a little different.”
On his responsibility to improve the 76ers’ defense:
“I think just we have the talent. I think a lot of it falls on me. I put it on me. If I want to be All-Defense like I used to be, that changes everything for our team. So if I can play that way every single night, which I will, changes everything.”
Q: "LeBron, KD, Steph –– who are the next faces of the league?"
On Jalen Brunson emerging as one of the faces of the NBA:
“It’s hard not to start with Jalen Brunson. I’ll be down when they hang the banner tonight for the championship. Here’s a guy who was a second-round pick, was picked up as a free agent from Dallas, and nobody talked about him as the next superstar in the league, but look how he’s led that team to a championship.”
On the significance of designing the Knicks’ first championship ring in 53 years:
“This one is easily set apart from the other projects we’ve done because it’s New York City. The city have been waiting for a championship for 53 years. We’re felt the pressure to make sure we delivered something that’s iconic and historic in design, something to be remembered forever.”
On the emotional significance of creating championship rings:
“There’s nothing like a championship ring because it’s more than just a piece of jewelry, it’s a piece of history. I’ve never felt an energy like this before prior to a championship ring delivery. I’ve never felt energy like this before, ever.”
On the design of the removable top of the Knicks’ championship ring:
“We knew that we couldn’t do a feature that’s been done before, so we challenged ourselves to create something new, something different, and something New York would appreciate. New York City is arguably the greatest city on earth. It is the Mecca of basketball, and the arena that symbolizes all of this is Madison Square Garden. When you twist off the top, you see the lower bowl of Madison Square Garden with the court in yellow gold and seats in white gold. The inside of the cap is all hand enameled with the pattern and colors of the ceiling of Madison Square Garden when you’re looking up at the scoreboard.”
On the ring’s miniature Madison Square Garden that rises from its center:
“The unique feature that’s never been done before, the feature that is historic and what New York City deserves, is a feature where you can twist the inner bezel counterclockwise. We have an engineering system that erects a miniature Madison Square Garden from the center of the ring. It literally comes out of the center of the ring and you have an entire Madison Square Garden to scale with the windows, all the architectural features, everything. My jaw dropped when we first finished it.”
On the blue sapphires and the ring’s Madison Square Garden-inspired design:
“There’s the small details that other people might not see. The blue sapphires, the way they’re set behind the Knicks logo on the face of the ring, it mimics the pattern of the ceiling of Madison Square Garden when you’re looking up at the scoreboard.”
On the ring’s concrete texture paying tribute to New York City:
“The background texture of the side of the ring is like a concrete texture, kind of paying homage to the concrete jungle that is New York City. It’s those subtle storylines that you don’t immediately notice, but give the ring a little more depth and meaning.”
On why the Knicks’ championship ring was intentionally extravagant:
“This is an over-the-top ring. It’s supposed to be, because it’s more than just a piece of jewelry. It’s a testament to a moment in time. It’s celebrating a moment in history, something that New York City’s been waiting 53 years for. So, I think that we were able to deliver that.”
On his personal connection to the Knicks and Anthony Mason:
“When we got the call that we got (the business) for this ring, I had tears in my eyes. I can feel the energy of Anthony Mason over my shoulder as he looks down, proud of me, because he started my career by being my first client, and now it’s a full-circle moment where I’m making a Knicks championship ring.”
Victor Wembanyama just had the worst shooting night of his career:
Kristaps Porziņģis’ time with the Warriors could soon be over.
The veteran center, whom Golden State acquired at the trade deadline in February and played in just 15 games last season before signing a two-year, $40 million contract with the team this offseason, has not practiced or played with the team this preseason, and might not at any point during the 2026-27 NBA season, which begins for the Warriors on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena.
Golden State has started exploring trade routes for Porziņģis, who has no timetable for a return to the court as he continues to deal with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday, citing sources.
Golden State has started exploring trade routes for Kristaps Porzingis, who is now seriously contemplating his future in basketball as he deals with recurring symptoms from the autoimmune condition termed as POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/w9fb2Tk4kb
As Charania mentioned, Porziņģis now is seriously contemplating his future in basketball as he continues to deal with the recurring symptoms from his autoimmune condition.
Porziņģis spent time in the Bay Area and at the Warriors’ facility throughout the offseason, and it appeared both he and the team were optimistic about his upcoming season, but shortly before Warriors media day started on Sept. 28, general manager Mike Dunleavy found out that Porziņģis would miss the start of training camp and remain away from the team because of the illness.
Then, on Oct. 13, Porziņģis returned to the Warriors’ facility for the first time since his absence, where he met with Dunleavy and director of sports medicine and performance Rick Celebrini and his staff.
In the days since, neither Dunleavy nor coach Steve Kerr provided any additional update or any other information regarding Porziņģis’ situation, but the veteran center himself did address his absence in a post on social media and cleared up some online speculation.
I appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I'm in the best hands. So everyone can relax now 😄🙏🏼 and I don’t have hiv or aids.
Kristaps Porziņģis’ time with the Warriors could soon be over.
The veteran center, whom Golden State acquired at the trade deadline in February and played in just 15 games last season before signing a two-year, $40 million contract with the team this offseason, has not practiced or played with the team this preseason, and might not at any point during the 2026-27 NBA season, which begins for the Warriors on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena.
Golden State has started exploring trade routes for Porziņģis, who has no timetable for a return to the court as he continues to deal with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday, citing sources.
Golden State has started exploring trade routes for Kristaps Porzingis, who is now seriously contemplating his future in basketball as he deals with recurring symptoms from the autoimmune condition termed as POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/w9fb2Tk4kb
As Charania mentioned, Porziņģis now is seriously contemplating his future in basketball as he continues to deal with the recurring symptoms from his autoimmune condition.
Porziņģis spent time in the Bay Area and at the Warriors’ facility throughout the offseason, and it appeared both he and the team were optimistic about his upcoming season, but shortly before Warriors media day started on Sept. 28, general manager Mike Dunleavy found out that Porziņģis would miss the start of training camp and remain away from the team because of the illness.
Then, on Oct. 13, Porziņģis returned to the Warriors’ facility for the first time since his absence, where he met with Dunleavy and director of sports medicine and performance Rick Celebrini and his staff.
In the days since, neither Dunleavy nor coach Steve Kerr provided any additional update or any other information regarding Porziņģis’ situation, but the veteran center himself did address his absence in a post on social media and cleared up some online speculation.
I appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I'm in the best hands. So everyone can relax now 😄🙏🏼 and I don’t have hiv or aids.
NEW YORK — Late in the night, there was a moment of honesty – vulnerability? – from Joel Embiid.
The Philadelphia 76ers locker room had all but cleared out, and Embiid was the last player fielding questions from an atypically large horde of reporters. With a 106-100 victory, the Sixers had just wrecked the coronation of the New York Knicks, who raised a banner here in Madison Square Garden for the first time in 53 years and who, prior to tipoff, had wedged championship rings the size of golf balls onto their fingers.
There were plenty of reasons why the 76ers won their regular season opener Tuesday, Oct. 20. But it was a small, in-game proposal from Embiid that proves the experiment that is the 76ers might just work.
Late in the second quarter, Embiid had picked up his third foul, which came during a four-minute span late in the period. So, at some point over halftime, Embiid told the 76ers coaches that it should be the newly-acquired LeBron James to guard Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns, a six-time All-Star.
This would free up Embiid to play unencumbered. And it shows how dangerous this team can be.
"It changes everything," Embiid said after the game. "I had three fouls. I suggested that to the guys, the coaching staff, cause I just felt like the way that they were coming, I wasn’t – I was just being honest – I wasn’t going to be as aggressive as I should be on defense having three fouls. I wanted to stay on the floor."
LeBron James was superb in his role
LeBron used his size and strength – James actually outweighs Towns by two pounds – to body Towns and jam up the timing and rhythm of New York’s pick-and-rolls. The move gave the 76ers tremendous defensive versatility and stifled the Knicks’ ability to scoop up offensive rebounds, which allowed Philadelphia’s transition offense to flourish.
Towns, in the third quarter, took just one field goal attempt and scored only four points; the Knicks shot 5-of-21 (23.8%) in the period.
This is not unfamiliar for James, who can play every position on the floor. It’s also a tactic Team USA employed during the 2024 Paris Olympics, when James guarded Serbian all-world center and three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokić.
Embiid was also a player on that gold medal squad, and it was Embiid’s foul trouble in the fourth quarter that prompted coach Steve Kerr to deploy the strategy.
"It was great," Embiid continued. "Another big body to guard the post. (Former 76er) P.J. Tucker was the last one we had where we could do that, that could switch off and guard those bigger guys in the post. Last year we had (Paul George), but you know PG, he did a great job, but he’s a little lighter. Having ‘Bron do that in the Olympics. We’ve done that in the past. That’s a good place to change (things) a little bit."
Vibes high in revamped 76ers' first impression
No team had a bigger offseason than Philadelphia, which also landed Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster deal with the Celtics. And the first impression of the revamped Sixers was mostly positive; the shot distribution was balanced, defensive intensity ramped up when it mattered most and the team committed just 10 turnovers, which had been an issue during the preseason.
But it was James who – as he has throughout his career – did a little bit of everything. He finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block. He handled the ball and zipped passes to his teammates. He sprinted out in transition and got to the line. And he was instrumental in helping the 76ers retain their small lead throughout the fourth quarter.
It’s still so very early, and the 76ers didn’t play explicitly well; they hit just 27.5% of their 3-pointers and were outrebounded on the offensive glass by a margin of 14-6.
"I mean, it’s still going to take some time," James admitted. "It’s just one game, but obviously we can learn from the good things that we did, we can learn from the bad things we did tonight."
Though it was but one game, the vibes are high. And as far as first impressions go, these 76ers proved they should have lasting power in a loaded Eastern Conference.
It’s their versatility and adaptability that can make them a legitimate title contender.
/ Thank you, Lakers Nation. 
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