LeBron James said he was still finding his rhythm after scoring 14 points on his Philadelphia 76ers debut in a 106-100 win over the New York Knicks on the NBA's opening night. 

James, entering a record-extending 24th season in the league with his fourth team after his summer move from the Los Angeles Lakers, also managed to rack up seven assists. 

Tyrese Maxey scored 28 points and Jaylen Brown notched 19 of his own, along with eight rebounds and six assists in his first game since joining from the Boston Celtics in July. 

Ahead of the match, the Knicks enjoyed title celebrations after ending a 53-year drought for silverware last season by beating the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. 

However, they were unable to open their season with a win, despite Jalen Brunson leading the Knicks with 21 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in with 19 points. 

James played 34 minutes in his first appearance for his new team, and he believes the best is still to come from him once he has settled into his new surroundings. 

"I could be a lot better," James told broadcaster NBC. "Still getting 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."

squad was cooking. https://t.co/6XWWzDs9KN

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 21, 2026

Philadelphia trailed New York 51-46 with just over two minutes of the second quarter remaining, with Joel Embiid ensuring the score remained close as James defended Towns.

The Sixers were 58-54 down at the break, and Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse said putting James on six-time All-Star Towns was discussed in his pre-match preparations.

"[We discussed putting] a 4-man on KAT, because there's so many pick-and-rolls with him and [Jalen] Brunson, that gives you some versatility to play some other coverage," Nurse said. "I think it was good. Over the long haul, it was very good for us, I think."

James had another impactful moment at the other end, pressuring Towns and denying a passing angle for OG Anunoby to deliver him the ball. 

That led to Anunoby's pass to Mikal Bridges being intercepted, resulting in Maxey putting the Sixers six points ahead with an uncontested dunk to all but seal the victory. 

"Obviously, KAT is very dangerous when he has space," James said. "I wanted to be there on the catch and not give him no airspace.

"And Tyrese just playing center field was able to jump that and get that dunk. That was a big momentum play."