LeBron’s 76ers debut, Pistons comeback highlight NBA 2026-27 season opening

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 22, 2026

Photo courtesy: Multiple Sources

NEW YORK, United States — LeBron James began his 24th NBA season with a victory for his new team, the Philadelphia 76ers, while the Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder also secured wins as the 2026-27 NBA season opened Tuesday, October 20.

The three-game opening schedule featured a major comeback in Detroit, Philadelphia’s victory over the defending champions, and Oklahoma City’s win in a rematch of last season’s Western Conference finals.

LeBron makes winning debut as 76ers defeat Knicks

Philadelphia defeated the defending champion New York Knicks, 106-100, at Madison Square Garden, ending the hosts’ championship celebration with a loss.

Before tip-off, New York received its championship rings and raised its first title banner in 53 years. The celebration marked the franchise’s return to the top of the NBA after winning the championship last season.

However, Philadelphia’s rebuilt lineup, featuring James and Jaylen Brown, prevented the Knicks from opening their title defence with a victory.

Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 28 points, while Brown added 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

James, 41, contributed 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in his Philadelphia debut. The four-time NBA champion is entering a record-extending 24th season in the league.

Joel Embiid also recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

The Knicks led at halftime, but Philadelphia gained control in the third quarter, finishing the period with an 11-0 run before holding off New York’s late rally.

Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 21 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds.

Detroit rallies from 22 points down against Boston

Earlier in Detroit, the Pistons erased a 22-point deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics, 121-113, completing the biggest comeback of the NBA’s opening-day schedule.

Boston appeared in control after building a substantial lead early in the second half. Detroit responded with a 23-0 scoring run that shifted the momentum and brought the home crowd back into the game.

Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 22 points and eight assists, while Jalen Duren matched his scoring total. Duncan Robinson contributed 21 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter.

Javonte Green also provided 19 points despite sitting out the entire first half.

For Boston, Paul George delivered 38 points in his Celtics debut, but his performance was not enough to prevent the defeat.

Detroit outscored Boston 76-55 after halftime to complete the comeback and secure its first win of the season.

Thunder overcome Spurs behind Gilgeous-Alexander

In San Antonio, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder past the Spurs, 116-104.

The matchup renewed the rivalry between the teams following their meeting in last season’s Western Conference finals, which San Antonio won in seven games.

Oklahoma City built a lead of as many as 26 points in the first half, forcing the Spurs to spend much of the game trying to close the gap.

Jared McCain contributed 20 points off the bench, making six of his eight three-point attempts, while Chet Holmgren added 14 points.

San Antonio narrowed the deficit during the second half but could not overcome Oklahoma City’s lead.

Stephon Castle scored 24 points for the Spurs, followed by Dylan Harper with 18.

Victor Wembanyama struggled with his shooting, converting just one of 13 field-goal attempts. He finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks.

The Thunder maintained their advantage in the closing minutes to secure the road victory.

The league’s opening schedule continues Wednesday, October 21, U.S. time, with a larger slate that includes the Golden State Warriors visiting the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks facing the Houston Rockets.