“This is something special” – LeBron James spoils the Knicks’ championship party

The Philadelphia 76ers won in the highly anticipated debut of LeBron James and beat the defending champions in their hall to start the NBA season. In the legendary Madison Square Garden, the guests won 106:100 against the New York Knicks, who had celebrated their championship from last season before the start of the game with the traditional hoisting of a flag under the hall roof.

"I can play a lot better. I still need to work on my rhythm, but I liked the way we played," James said. “We have good shooters.”

Jalen Brunson scored 21 points for the Knicks. In the playoffs last season, the Knicks clearly beat the 76ers in the second round and were ultimately rewarded with their first NBA title since 1973. Superstar James apparently had a lot of fun spoiling the celebrations. After the game, he told NBC Sports that he had enjoyed disrupting the party. His comment: “That’s something special.”

OKC with Hartenstein wins against Spurs

The Oklahoma City Thunder, who won the 2025 championship, impressed at the start against the San Antonio Spurs. Against the team that had ended their dreams of defending their title in the playoffs this year, the team led by German professional Isaiah Hartenstein scored four points, three rebounds and three assists with a 116:104 win.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander excelled with 32 points. Victor Wembanyama recorded twelve points and 13 rebounds for the Spurs, the best scorer for the hosts was Stephon Castle with 24 points.

Pistons spoil Paul George's outstanding debut

In the first game of the season, the Detroit Pistons had previously secured a home win against the Boston Celtics. In front of their own fans, the team won 121:113 and recovered from being 22 points behind in the second half.

Paul George's outstanding debut for the Celtics was overshadowed. The newcomer had 38 points, 5 rebounds and 5 steals for Boston. For the Pistons, leaders Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren each scored 22 points.