76ers spoil Knicks' banner party in James' debut

LeBron James and his new Philadelphia 76ers teammates crashed the New York Knicks' season-opening celebrations on Tuesday, beating the defending NBA champions 106-100 on the night they raised their title banner at Madison Square Garden. James, 41 and entering a record-extending 24th NBA season with his fourth team, scored 14 points and handed out seven of the 76ers' 28 assists in a tantalising glimpse of how he will be a facilitator for younger teammates such as Tyrese Maxey, who led all scorers with 28 points. "I could be a lot better," James told broadcaster NBC. "Still getting my rhythm, obviously just a little bit over two weeks with the new squad. "But I like the way we played. I think we played exceptionally well, especially defensively." Jaylen Brown, the former Boston Celtics star who arrived in Philly in a stunning trade for Paul George in July, scored 19 points with eight rebounds and six assists and centre Joel Embiid added 13 points and 11 rebounds for the 76ers. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 21 points and Karl-Anthony Towns scored 19 points with 12 rebounds, but after regaining the lead in the third quarter the 76ers repelled every Knicks charge. The Knicks ended a 53-year title...