Knicks’ banner-raising effort comes up short in opening loss to 76ers

The Knicks’ postseason run this past spring was filled with dramatics and late-game comebacks.

But their 2026-27 season opener saw a comeback fall short.

New York fell 106-100 to the 76ers on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives to the basket as Philadelphia 76ers Anfernee Simons defends in the third quarter of a game at Madison Square Garden in New York, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
The 2026 NBA champion New York Knicks watch as they hoist the championship banner into the rafters before the start of the first quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden in New York, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. Carlos Toro for NY Post
Philadelphia 76ers LeBron James looks for an opening as New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) defends in the first half. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

The night started with a ceremony to remember, as the reigning NBA champs received their rings and saw the banner get raised to the rafters.

Once things got underway, it was a tight, back-and-forth game throughout, and the Knicks led by four at halftime. But the 76ers, buoyed by a 29-18 run in the third quarter, were in control going into the final quarter and held on for the win.

Jalen Brunson led the way with 21 points but wasn’t particularly efficient (6-for-18 from the field). Tyrese Maxey had 28 points for Philly, while Jaylen Brown and LeBron James added 19 and 14, respectively.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *