LeBron James scores 14 as Sixers defeat Knicks in season opener

LeBron James recorded 14 points and nine rebounds as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New York Knicks 106-100 in the season opener at Madison Square Garden. The win gave the Sixers a first look at the roster they assembled this summer, which includes James, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe.

Knicks fans directed chants of "We don't want you!" toward James as he approached the free-throw line, reflecting lingering speculation that he might have signed with New York had the Knicks not won a championship last season. James responded that the night was positive for New York fans, recalling his role in ending Cleveland's 50-year title drought.

Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 28 points, while Brown added 19 and Embiid contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds. The team closed the third quarter with an 11-0 run, highlighted by Brown's buzzer-beating three-pointer that gave Philadelphia an 83-76 lead.

"We did that on the fly," James said after the game.

Coach Nick Nurse praised the early chemistry, noting that the players have been "really great" in the first weeks of practice. The Sixers aim to build on the performance as they pursue their first championship since 1983.