- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
LeBron James made his Philadelphia 76ers debut in unconventional fashion, playing backup center during Tuesday's 106-100 victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
James logged 34 minutes and delivered a pivotal late-game block on Mikal Bridges. He also defended Karl-Anthony Towns while Joel Embiid shifted to guard Josh Hart. Coach Nick Nurse indicated he is willing to get creative with James at center. The duo combined to shoot 9-for-28 but dished out 13 assists.
Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 28 points. Maxey and Jaylen Brown combined for 11 assists, while Anfernee Simons contributed 13 points off the bench.
The Knicks struggled offensively, with Jalen Brunson shooting 6-for-19 and Bridges going 2-for-8. OG Anunoby managed just 1-for-9 from three-point range as the team finished at 37 percent from beyond the arc.
Meanwhile, the Pistons won vs the Celtics. Duncan Robinson and Javonte Green combined for 10 three-pointers and 78 second-half points. The Pistons, a 60-win team last season after replacing Tobias Harris and Isaiah Stewart, held the Celtics to 34 paint points.
Source: ESPN - Wed Oct 21, 8:50 AM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).