- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The New York Knicks dropped their season opener 106-100 to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden, where the franchise raised its first championship banner in 53 years before tipoff. Fans in attendance received mini championship banners, and the Knicks wore golden jerseys for the celebration.
Philadelphia pulled away in the second half with 19 fast-break points after the Knicks held opponents below 10 such points per game during the 2026 playoffs. The Knicks shot 17-of-29 in the restricted area but could not contain a 76ers roster now featuring LeBron James and Jaylen Brown.
Andre Drummond posted a double-double in the first half for New York before fading late, while Karl-Anthony Towns battled foul trouble. Knicks coach Mike Brown said the team "looked like we were running in mud" and called the transition defense "not good."
Jalen Brunson said getting knocked down would help humble the team and put egos in check.
New York will face Philadelphia again in 10 days and plays 12 of its first 19 contests against projected top-eight Eastern Conference opponents by Nov. 27.
Source: CBS Sports - Wed Oct 21, 1:24 AM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).