What we learned about LeBron James, new-look 76ers in win over Knicks originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The 76ers were bold this past offseason — arguably bolder than any team has been while building a roster in NBA history. After months of waiting, fans finally got their first glimpses at Philadelphia's star power on Tuesday night, showcasing its elite starting lineup for the first time.
The 76ers spoiled banner night for the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, claiming a 106-100 win to begin the LeBron James-Jaylen Brown era and get a good head start in a competitive Eastern Conference.
It wasn't all perfect, but considering the circumstances — facing the defending champions at Madison Square Garden with a rowdy fanbase fresh off a title — there was a lot to like about the potential of the new-look 76ers.
Here are five takeaways from the 76ers' first game with James and Brown, a win in New York.
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What we learned about new-look 76ers vs. Knicks
Offensive potential is sky-high
As soon as James signed with Philadelphia, it was easy to imagine the possibilities of how the 76ers could get a bucket. Between the NBA's all-time leading scorer, one of the greatest scoring centers ever, a Finals MVP who averaged 28.7 points per game last season, and a rising star guard who's become a nightmare in transition — all of whom are solid passes, at minimum — it wouldn't matter who had the ball.
Q: "1-0, LeBron. What are your takeaways from your debut with your new team?" LEBRON: "I liked the way we played... Good win for us." @KingJames and the @sixers win their season-opener at MSG! https://t.co/gQDWPAZOiP
— NBA (@NBA) October 21, 2026
The on-paper fit was as advertised. Even with just a few weeks to gel in training camp, the 76ers' limitless offensive capability materialized against a strong Knicks defense, overcoming some bad shooting luck for a win and consistently finding open shots, possession after possession.
Tyrese Maxey was the table-setter from the start of the matchup, using his two-man game with Joel Embiid to connect on two quick 3-pointers and finishing with 28 points. In the two middle quarters, Brown was moving well off the ball, finishing at the rim and taking advantage of mismatches. And while Embiid had a rough shooting night, he still got the job done when needed, downing a late 3-pointer that helped put the Knicks away.
Philadelphia had 28 assists as a team. Even in Game No. 1, the potential of an offense loaded with three-level threats was clear, overcoming a poor 3-point shooting night (11-40 as a team) to win anyway.
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76ers will put on a show in transition
On a similar note, this won't just be a good team — they'll be one you want to tune into on NBA League Pass. Last season, Maxey ranked second in the league with 7.2 transition points per game. James (7.1) was third on that list. Brown (6.7) was fourth. For Nick Nurse, one main blueprint to win this season was clear: get his stars downhill.
Against the Knicks, all three of those new 76ers teammates were wreaking some havoc with their speed. Philadelphia turned 15 Knicks turnovers into 22 points, scoring 24 on fastbreaks in total.
LOB TO LEBRON! 🗣️ https://t.co/K172TWGMwS
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 21, 2026
Individually, all three of Maxey, James and Brown have always been tough to stop once they start to sprint towards the basket. Paired together, it's going to be a nightmare for opponents to slow the 76ers down this season.
Defensive size is a concern
If there's an obvious Achilles heel to this 76ers team right now — outside of health, a typical question with Embiid and an aging James — it's size on the defensive end. James has been more of a small forward than a power forward in his career, though he's certainly capable of playing any position and making a defensive effort when needed. Embiid, even after shedding some weight, doesn't move like he used to.
Especially after a season-ending injury to Ariel Hukporti, Philadelphia doesn't have a go-to backup center. That was clear against the Knicks, who attacked the basket with ease when Embiid was off the floor.
In the first half alone, new Knicks center Andre Drummond posted a double-double, dominating the glass with nobody on the 76ers' bench able to slow him down. Adem Bona was Nurse's lead big off the bench, but is 6-10 and was scoreless in 10 minutes.
The ability to use James, Dean Wade — who didn't play on Tuesday — or Jabari Walker at the five gives Nurse some small-ball lineup options when Embiid is off the court, but Philadelphia will need a more reliable backup center situation. It wasn't an issue in the second half, but the Knicks were feasting around the rim early.
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Nick Nurse will prioritize turnovers defensively
Going hand-in-hand with the transition success and a lack of size behind Embiid was a clear approach from Nurse on the defensive side: swarm the ball.
The nature of the 76ers' roster, featuring a lot of athletic guards and wings, means that it will likely be maximized the more they get in transition. Even if it means allowing a bucket in the paint every once in a while, Nurse will likely be content with his players going all-in on steals and creating some chaos. That's when Philadelphia will be at its best.
In Game No. 1, turnovers were bound to be an issue for both teams, but it likely says something that the 76ers were able to force 15 turnovers against a well-connected Knicks team that only brought in one new rotation player for 2026-27. Expect to see V.J. Edgecombe, Maxey and Brown diving for some loose balls this season.
LeBron James' main role is facilitator — but he can score in bursts
James didn't sign with the 76ers to become a go-to scorer. That was clear from the moment he put pen to paper, saying he would do whatever the team needed him to do to win. Based on Tuesday's result, his most impactful asset will likely be his playmaking.
In his first action with Philadelphia, James had seven assists to lead the game, displaying some heads-up playmaking when Brown was around the rim, Embiid had a mismatch and Maxey was getting in transition.
LeBron James and Jaylen Brown make their Philly debuts, @sixers open the season with a W ‼️ @KingJames: 14 PTS, 9 REB, 7 AST @FCHWPO: 19 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST https://t.co/0tdCrZBsLP
— NBA (@NBA) October 21, 2026
Of course, this is also the NBA's all-time leading scorer — and when James got a bit more fired up in the third quarter, even jawing with a Knicks fan in the crowd, he began to drive to the basket with ease and hit a jumper.
Considering the 76ers shot under 30% from deep as a team, it wouldn't be surprising to see James averaging north of nine assists per game this season, if not contending for the NBA lead. In most games, Philadelphia won't need him to put up a ton of shots, saving his energy for other aspects of the game.
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