Tyrese Maxey steals the spotlight from LeBron James in stunning 76ers opening-night win over Knicks originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Philadelphia 76ers spent the offseason assembling one of the most fascinating rosters in the NBA. Their first regular-season game provided an early indication of just how dangerous that group could become. And the biggest star Tuesday night wasn't necessarily the player everyone expected.
Tyrese Maxey scored 28 points as Philadelphia defeated the defending NBA champion New York Knicks 106-100 at Madison Square Garden, spoiling an evening that began with New York celebrating its first championship in 53 years. The Knicks raised their championship banner and received their rings before the game, but Philadelphia made sure the celebration didn't extend to the final buzzer.
Maxey led the way despite sharing the floor with two of the offseason's biggest acquisitions. LeBron James finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in his first regular-season appearance for Philadelphia. Jaylen Brown added 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists after arriving from Boston in the trade that sent Paul George to the Celtics.
Joel Embiid contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds, giving Philadelphia another important presence in the middle.
Maxey reminded everyone that Philadelphia already had a superstar
Much of the attention surrounding the 76ers has focused on James and Brown. That is understandable considering the significance of those acquisitions. James entered his 24th NBA season, while Brown arrived after establishing himself as one of the league's premier two-way forwards.
Tyrese Maxey tonight in the Sixers season opener: - 28 PTS - 4 REB - 5 AST - 3 STL - 3 BLK - 9/19 FG - 8/9 FT Unbelievable performance. https://t.co/T3HIxWJRPP
— RB (@RBPhillyTake) October 21, 2026
But Maxey was already an established star before either player joined Philadelphia.
Tuesday demonstrated why his role remains so important.
The 76ers needed someone capable of generating offense, creating opportunities and attacking New York's defense when possessions became difficult. Maxey provided that production while helping Philadelphia overcome a Knicks team determined to defend its championship.
Brown also delivered important moments, including a late defensive play against Jalen Brunson that helped protect the victory.
For New York, Brunson finished with 21 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 19 points and 12 rebounds. The Knicks had opportunities to secure a memorable opening-night victory but couldn't consistently execute down the stretch.
MORE: Knicks' long-awaited banner night gets dramatic twist with LeBron James and Jaylen Brown visiting
Philadelphia's championship expectations just became more interesting
The 76ers entered the season with enormous expectations following an offseason that dramatically changed their roster. Combining James, Brown, Maxey and Embiid creates obvious offensive possibilities, although the challenge will be finding the right balance between four accomplished players.
Tuesday offered an encouraging beginning.
Philadelphia didn't need James to produce a spectacular scoring performance. It didn't require Brown to dominate every possession. Instead, Maxey led the offense while the team's new additions contributed in complementary roles.
There will be more difficult nights as Philadelphia develops chemistry, and one victory doesn't guarantee a championship run.
Still, defeating the defending champions on their own floor is an impressive way to begin. The 76ers arrived in New York surrounded by questions about how their stars would fit together.
They left with a victory and a reminder that Maxey remains one of the most important players in Philadelphia's championship pursuit.
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