The 2026-27 NBA season began Tuesday with the Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder earning victories in a three-game opening-day program.
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated defending champions the New York Knicks 106-100 at Madison Square Garden as LeBron James made his debut for his new team.
New York received its championship rings and raised its title banner before the game after ending a 53-year championship drought last season.
The celebrations, however, were spoiled by a revamped Philadelphia lineup featuring James and Jaylen Brown.
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 28 points, while Brown contributed 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
James, beginning a record-extending 24th NBA season at the age of 41, finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
Joel Embiid added 13 points and 11 rebounds for Philadelphia.
The 76ers took control with an 11-0 run late in the third quarter before holding off New York’s attempted comeback.
Jalen Brunson scored 21 points for the Knicks, while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Pistons erase 22-point deficit
The Detroit Pistons launched the new season with a dramatic 121-113 comeback victory over the Boston Celtics.
Boston led by as many as 22 points, but Detroit transformed the game with a 23-0 run and outscored the Celtics 76-55 in the second half.
Duncan Robinson scored 15 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, while Cade Cunningham registered 22 points and eight assists.
Jalen Duren also scored 22 points, and Javonte Green provided 19 despite not playing in the first half.
Paul George produced 38 points in his Celtics debut, but Boston could not protect its advantage as Detroit increased its defensive pressure and dominated the closing stages.
Thunder defeat Spurs in Western Conference finals rematch
The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs 116-104 in a rematch of last season’s Western Conference finals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points for Oklahoma City, which built a 26-point first-half lead and remained ahead despite a San Antonio rally.
Jared McCain provided 20 points from the bench, hitting six of his eight attempts from beyond the arc. Chet Holmgren added 14 points for the Thunder.
Stephon Castle led San Antonio with 24 points, while Dylan Harper scored 18.
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama struggled offensively, making only one of his 13 field-goal attempts. The French center nevertheless finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks.
The NBA’s opening program will be followed by a larger slate Wednesday, including the Golden State Warriors against the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks visiting the Houston Rockets.