The New York Knicks defended their NBA championship after losing to the Philadelphia 76ers. They began defending their NBA Cup title in the same way on Friday.
The first night of the 2026 NBA Championship saw the defending champions fall to Philadelphia once again, this time 98-93, despite the absence of Jaylen Brown due to patellar tendinopathy. They almost had a double-digit comeback in the fourth quarter, leading at one point.
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However, the Sixers immediately responded with five straight points, capped by VJ Edgecombe’s dagger.
Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 25 points on 10-of-18 shooting, while James was not far from a triple-double with 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Anfernee Simons added 21 points on 11 shots off the bench.
The Knicks lost their NBA Cup opener last season as well, but won their next three games to finish first in their division. They defeated the San Antonio Spurs in the championship game, then won their first NBA Finals in 53 years.
Aside from the NBA Cup, the loss continues a rough start for New York, which has a 2-4 overall record.
Dunk of the night
Kevin Durant, 38 years young.
NBA Cup Night 1 scoreboard
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