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.
Philadelphia outscored New York by 11 in the third quarter and kept New York at bay in the final minutes as the Knicks attempted to close the gap.
It was the first of four regular season games between the two Eastern Conference powerhouses and showcased the new-look Sixers.
After informing the Los Angeles Lakers that he wouldn’t be returning for a ninth season, James signed a two-year deal with Philadelphia back in July in what many expect to be his final contract.
Earning just $8 million over the deal, James took a huge pay cut compared with the $102 million he made over his previous two-year signing with the Lakers.
James is already the oldest player in the league and will be 43 at the end of this contract. Having outlasted retirement rumors and speculation for the last few years, he’s entering his 24th season in the league.
“[I’m] very familiar with every scenario that this game has offered,” he said. “[I’m] blessed to be able to play it still at this level and blessed to be able to play in this building too. This building is so special.”
The four-time champion said he’s making the move not for money or family, but to compete and feel he has a chance at another title.
James joined three other All-Stars—Maxey, former MVP Joel Embiid, and former finals MVP Jaylen Brown.
Brown, who spent his first 10 seasons with Boston, was traded to conference rival Philadelphia shortly before James joined, just weeks after the Celtics blew a 3–1 lead to Philadelphia in the first round of the playoffs.
Philadelphia would go on to get swept by the Knicks in the second round as part of New York’s championship run. The Sixers have not made it to the conference finals since 2001 despite many conference semifinals appearances over the last decade.
James’ four championships were with Miami (2012, 2013), Cleveland (2016), and the Los Angeles Lakers (2020).
