American star LeBron James began his journey with the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday with a 106-100 victory over host New York Knicks, in the opening match of the new season of the National Basketball Association. James, 41, scored 14 points and provided 7 assists in his first game with Philadelphia, after transferring from the Los Angeles Lakers, to play his 24th season in the league with his fourth team in his professional career.
Tyrese Maxie led Philadelphia's scorers with 28 points, while Jaylen Brown scored 19 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and provided 6 assists, in his debut with the team after transferring from the Boston Celtics as part of a trade involving Paul George. For his part, Jalen Brunson scored 21 points for the Knicks, while Karl-Anthony Towns scored 19 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. The match saw New York Knicks fans celebrate winning last season's title, as the team raised its third championship banner to the ceiling of Madison Square Garden.
In another match, Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led his team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, to a 116-104 victory over guest San Antonio Spurs, after scoring 32 points. Stephon Castle was the top scorer for the Spurs with 24 points. Frenchman Victor Wembanyama struggled offensively, scoring only one basket out of 13 attempts, but finished the match with 12 points, mostly from free throws, along with 13 rebounds and 6 blocks.
In a related context, the Detroit Pistons opened the 81st season of the league on Tuesday with a 121-113 victory over host Boston Celtics. Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren shared the top scoring spot for the Pistons with 22 points each. Duncan Robinson added 21 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, while Paul George shone in his debut with the Celtics by scoring 38 points.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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