(Photo courtesy of Anadolu)
ANKARA – The Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder opened the 2026-27 NBA season with victories Tuesday, October 20, highlighted by LeBron James’ debut with Philadelphia and Detroit’s comeback against Boston.
76ers spoil Knicks’ championship celebration
Philadelphia defeated defending champion New York Knicks, 106-100, at Madison Square Garden, spoiling the home team’s championship ring ceremony and banner unveiling.
The Knicks celebrated their first NBA title in 53 years before facing a revamped 76ers squad featuring James and Jaylen Brown.
Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 28 points, while Brown contributed 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
James, 41, began his record-extending 24th NBA season with 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Joel Embiid added 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The 76ers seized control with an 11-0 scoring run late in the third quarter and held off New York’s comeback attempt.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 21 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Pistons overcome 22-point deficit against Celtics
Detroit rallied from a 22-point deficit to defeat Boston, 121-113, behind a dominant second-half performance.
The Pistons sparked their comeback with a 23-0 run and outscored the Celtics, 76-55, after halftime.
Cade Cunningham recorded 22 points and eight assists, while Jalen Duren also scored 22 points.
Duncan Robinson delivered 15 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, while Javonte Green contributed 19 points.
Paul George scored 38 points in his Celtics debut, but Boston struggled to contain Detroit’s late offensive surge.
Thunder overpower Spurs in Western Conference rematch
Oklahoma City defeated San Antonio, 116-104, in a rematch of last season’s Western Conference finals.
Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 32 points as Oklahoma City built a commanding 26-point advantage in the first half.
Jared McCain added 20 points off the bench, including six three-pointers, while Chet Holmgren contributed 14 points.
Stephon Castle led San Antonio with 24 points, followed by Dylan Harper with 18.
Victor Wembanyama struggled from the field, converting just one of his 13 attempts, but still recorded 12 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks.
The NBA season continues Wednesday with a larger schedule of games, including the Golden State Warriors facing the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks visiting the Houston Rockets.
