LeBron James heard “We don’t want you” chants as the Sixers spoiled the Knicks’ championship celebration

LeBron James opened his historic 24th NBA season with the Philadelphia 76ers to a hostile welcome at Madison Square Garden. As he stepped to the free-throw line, Knicks fans chanted, “We don’t want you.” James made his first free throw and missed the second as the crowd celebrated.

The taunts had a backstory. James had said he once imagined playing at Madison Square Garden and finishing his career with the Knicks, but later ruled out that possibility. New York fans brought up those comments on a night when the team received its championship rings and raised a banner celebrating its first title in 53 years.

Maxey led the comeback as LeBron filled the stat sheet

Philadelphia spoiled the defending champions’ celebration with a 106-100 win. The Knicks led 58-54 at halftime, but the Sixers outscored them 29-18 in the third quarter to take control. Tyrese Maxey led all scorers with 28 points, and Jaylen Brown added 19.

In his official Philadelphia debut, LeBron finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, along with a steal and a block. He wasn’t the game’s leading scorer, but contributed in several areas as the Sixers opened the season with a statement win.

The chants were not the only tense moment between James and the crowd. During the first half, he had an animated exchange with a courtside fan. NBC Sports described it as a conversation; no physical altercation was reported.

The Sixers’ next game is at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. After a boisterous night in New York, James will get his first chance to play in front of Philadelphia fans in the regular season.