It was an opening night of mixed emotions for the New York Knicks but star guard Jalen Brunson believes the defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers and debutant LeBron James will do them good in the long run. The Knicks were handed their championship rings before the contest in recognition of their achievements last season but the celebratory atmosphere soon changed at tip-off.Brunson and his team-mates struggled to get anything going and the 76ers came away with a 106-100 win to quieten a previously rowdy Madison Square Garden crowd and gain revenge for their second-round play-off loss last season.It was a quick reminder that the NBA waits for no man and Brunson acknowledged that after the game.I think its good for us to get knocked down off the mountain, humble ourselves, put our egos in check, Brunson said. Ive told you guys since day one, whatever happens the first couple of weeks of the season, Im not sure thats who we really are.They made things difficult for us. Obvious for me, shots werent falling. We can make all the excuses in the world. Like I said, Im just happy we can move forward now.Brown relieved Brunson did not rescue KnicksBrunson shot just 6-of-19 from the field and was also ineffective in the fourth quarter so often a point in the game when he comes alive shooting 1-for-five.If Jalen Brunson hits those shots down the stretch and we win, for me personally as their coach, theres going to be something inside of me that wished it wouldnt happen, Knicks coach Mike Brown said. Its almost like youre playing with fire and you ended up winning that time without any water or one of them fire blankets to cover the fire.We put ourselves in a hole not doing the other little things and, you know, sometimes it works at the end of the game, sometimes it doesnt.James blessed to still be playingIt was a night of frustration for the Knicks but offered an indication as to what Philly could produce this season with James, starting his record-setting 24th NBA season, instrumental.The 41-year-old scored 14 points and added nine rebounds and seven assists in a solid all-round display.He said: I feel a lot better; I still need to get my rhythm. Just been over two weeks with the new squad, but I like the way we played. I think we played exceptionally well, especially defensively. We didnt shoot the ball well, but we have capable shooters.I am just trying to make plays to win; Im very familiar with every scenario this game has offered. I am blessed to still be playing at this level, and blessed to play in this building here; its so special.James quietens chants from New York neighboursThe only blot on James night was an altercation with a court-side supporter who mocked the superstars use of a helicopter to get from his New York residence to Philadelphia. He also faced chants of we dont want you from the home fans following his decisions to live in the Big Apple.Despite that, James said it was a cool experience to share in the Knicks ring-giving evening.It was a great night for New York fans, James said. Obviously, its something 50+ years. I was a part of that at one point where we hadnt won a major championship in Cleveland in over 50 years. The fans will never forget this moment, will never forget that championship run.We were happy that we were just able to come and play on such a historical night, a historical building, and play the game we love. Topics Jalen Brunson LeBron James New York Knicks Philadelphia 76ers If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Former NBA star claims LeBron James ruined the NBA in brutal Michael Jordan comparison Mitch Fretton 9th October, 2026 NBA: Jayson Tatum embraces Celtics leadership role after Jaylen Brown trade Mitch Fretton 29th September, 2026 LeBron James reveals Knicks were preferred destination before NBA title Mitch Fretton 28th September, 2026 NBA: Knicks take on LeBron James 76ers on opening night Mitch Fretton 11th August, 2026 NBA: Durant claims 76ers a championship-winning team after signing LeBron James Mitch Fretton 2nd August, 2026 NBA: Philadelphia 76ers officially welcome LeBron James to East Coast Mitch Fretton 27th July, 2026
