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The New York Knicks and their fans did everything they could to take down LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers, but ultimately fell short of their goal on opening night.
During the first half of the game, James earned a pair of free throws after drawing a foul. When he stepped up to the free throw line, Knicks fans began to chant another peak New York line.
“We don’t want you!” fans yelled. “We don’t want you!”
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Fans chant “WE DON’T WANT YOU!” At LeBron James. #Knicks#AlwaysKnicks#NewYorkForeverpic.twitter.com/bWfW7hdvQr
— Justin J. Lopez (@stellar_jl319) October 20, 2026
This comes after LeBron James said at Sixers media day a few weeks ago that he strongly considered joining the New York Knicks in free agency once his Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs. But a strong postseason that culminated in an NBA Championship for the Knicks ended those hopes.
“I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden,” James said on media day, according to ESPN. “One of the best places I’ve ever played. I think it’s the No. 1 arena in the world, as far as for a basketball player. But after they beat San Antonio, I was like, ‘Hey, I can’t.’ I couldn’t do it.”
James would’ve been a fantastic addition to the champion New York Knicks, who ended a 53-year championship drought when they were crowned in 2026. But it would’ve come with increased scrutiny, given that it’s impossible to remember the last time a team of LeBron James’ caliber joined an NBA Champion in free agency.
James instead chose the Philadelphia 76ers, who took down the Knicks on their banner/ring night Wednesday. The newest Sixers star finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and one blocked shot in 33 minutes of play.
Philadelphia will now travel home to host their home opener against Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night. The Knicks, meanwhile, will travel to Boston to take on the Celtics on Friday night.
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