NBA opening night 2026: the Sixers spoil the Knicks' party, and what it means
By The Trends Incoming team · Published 2026-10-21
Basketball is back, and opening night delivered. The Knicks raised a championship banner, handed out rings, and then watched the brand-new Philadelphia 76ers walk out of Madison Square Garden with a 106-100 win.
What it is
The NBA opened its 2026-27 season with a first-ever opening day tripleheader on NBC and Peacock. Here's the scoreboard:
| Pistons 121, Celtics 113 | Detroit rallied from 22 points down |
|---|---|
| 76ers 106, Knicks 100 | Maxey 28, Brown 19, LeBron 14-9-7 |
| Thunder 116, Spurs 104 | A West finals rematch goes to OKC |
Why it's trending
Because the Sixers spent the summer going all in. They traded for Jaylen Brown and signed LeBron James away from the Lakers, and night one showed why. Tyrese Maxey led everyone with 28, Brown added 19 with eight rebounds, and LeBron, starting his NBA-record 24th season, chipped in 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists per the official box score. A Brown three at the third-quarter buzzer capped an 11-0 run, and Joel Embiid's late three answered the Knicks every time they got close. Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson scored 21 but shot 6 for 19. Our NBA page has the full opening night recap.
Where to follow it
Games are spread across NBC and Peacock, ESPN and ABC, and Prime Video this season, so check our where-to-watch guide. On social, follow #NBA, #Sixers and #Knicks. Not done with basketball tonight? The WNBA Finals Game 3 tips at 8 p.m. ET, and the World Series starts Friday.
Quick answers
Who won the Knicks vs. 76ers opening night game?
The 76ers won 106-100 at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2026.
How did LeBron James do in his 76ers debut?
He had 14 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists in Philadelphia's 106-100 win, per the NBA's official box score.
Who won Celtics vs. Pistons?
Detroit, 121-113, after rallying from a 22-point deficit.
Follow it
The trend card
Sixers spoil the Knicks' banner night
The Knicks raised their title banner, then Philadelphia won 106-100 at MSG. Tyrese Maxey scored 28, Jaylen Brown had 19 in his Sixers debut and LeBron James added 14, 9 and 7 to open his record 24th season. Detroit rallied from 22 down to beat Boston 121-113, and OKC beat San Antonio 116-104.
Sources
By The Trends Incoming team · Fact-checked 2026-10-21. Dates change, so double-check with the official source.