LeBron James, 41, started his 24th NBA season with a spoiler.
In his first game as a 76er, the four-time MVP scored 14 points with nine rebounds and seven assists as Philadelphia defeated the New York Knicks 106–100 Tuesday, putting a damper on the defending champions’ ring ceremony in Madison Square Garden.
“Still getting [in] my rhythm. Obviously, just a little bit over two weeks with the new squad, but I like the way we played. I think we played exceptionally well, especially defensively,” he told NBC after the game.
Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey led both teams with 28 points, while Finals MVP Jalen Brunson of the Knicks struggled to find his shot on the other end, going 6-for-19. …