New York:The 2026-27 NBA season commenced with the Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, and Oklahoma City Thunder securing wins in the three-game opening-day schedule. The Philadelphia 76ers triumphed over the defending champions, the New York Knicks, with a 106-100 victory at Madison Square Garden, marking LeBron James' debut for his new team.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, the New York Knicks received their championship rings and raised their title banner before the game, celebrating their first championship in 53 years. However, the Philadelphia 76ers, featuring a revamped lineup with LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, disrupted the celebrations. Tyrese Maxey led the charge with 28 points, while Brown contributed 19 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. James, at 41 years old, started his record-extending 24th NBA season, scoring 14 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and providing seven assists. Joel Embiid added 13 points and 11 rebounds. The 76ers took control late in the third quarter with an 11-0 run, maintaining the lead despite a comeback attempt from the Knicks. Jalen Brunson scored 21 points for New York, with Karl-Anthony Towns adding 19 points and 12 rebounds.
The Detroit Pistons staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Boston Celtics 121-113. Despite trailing by 22 points, the Pistons turned the tide with a 23-0 run and outscored Boston 76-55 in the second half. Duncan Robinson scored 15 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, while Cade Cunningham tallied 22 points and eight assists. Jalen Duren matched Cunningham's 22 points, and Javonte Green added 19 points. Paul George scored 38 points in his debut for the Celtics, but Boston's lead dissipated as Detroit's defense intensified.
In a rematch of last season's Western Conference finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs 116-104. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with 32 points for the Thunder, who established a 26-point lead in the first half and maintained their advantage despite a San Antonio rally. Jared McCain contributed 20 points off the bench, including six three-pointers, while Chet Holmgren added 14 points. Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 24 points, and Dylan Harper scored 18. Spurs' star Victor Wembanyama struggled with only one successful field-goal attempt out of 13 but still managed 12 points, 13 rebounds, and six blocks.
The NBA's opening day will be followed by a larger lineup on Wednesday, featuring the Golden State Warriors against the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks visiting the Houston Rockets.