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76ers-Knicks takeaways: New-look Philly spoils New York's banner night
Philadelphia 76ers guard Jaylen Brown. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

76ers-Knicks takeaways: New-look Philly spoils New York's banner night

By Andrew Wright  |  Last updated Oct 20, 2026 10:44 PM ET
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On a night in which the New York Knicks celebrated their first NBA championship in 53 years, it was the Philadelphia 76ers and their new-look starting five ruining the celebration with a 106-100 win.

It was the first game for Philadelphia with its new starting five that includes Jaylen Brown and LeBron James. Many wondered how the 76ers would be able to get enough touches for all of their stars, but those questions may have been answered with Tuesday's performance. 

Here are three takeaways from what was an extremely gritty and hard-fought game between both sides.

Philadelphia's passing was outstanding

With all the outside concerns of the entire starting five for Philadelphia needing a sufficient number of shots, that didn't seem to be a problem internally.

The 76ers were more than OK with sharing the ball, as they collected 28 assists on 37 made shots. James was the leader with seven assists, while Joel Embiid and Brown were close behind with six each. Tyrese Maxey had five, and the fifth starter VJ Edgecombe had one, giving the starters 25 of the 28 assists.

Andre Drummond will be the perfect replacement for Mitchell Robinson in New York

New York lost a key member of its championship run in Mitchell Robinson to free agency. It may have found the perfect replacement, though, if Andre Drummond can provide what he did Tuesday.

Drummond posted a double-double in the first half alone and finished the game with 12 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. The seven offensive rebounds for Drummond were the most by any player, and that was a key part of Robinson's game last season (4.2 offensive rebounds per game).

LeBron James may have one of the most impactful seasons of his career

Impactful is certainly different than best, and that's the way this season could go for James. He is likely the fourth scoring option for the 76ers, a role he's never been put in during his legendary career.

That could be a good thing, though, as James will always find ways to help the team, and his lack of scoring will be made up by his impact in other phases of the game.

James will likely have one of his best assists seasons of his career and also one of his best defensive seasons. Some of the energy he normally spends on scoring the ball can be stored up and used for defensive intensity late in games. 

The days of James scoring 25-30 points every night are likely over, but he still has the ability to make a massive impact on the game.

What's next for both teams?

Philadelphia will be in action again Thursday in its home opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

New York will have an extra day of rest before taking the court again Friday in its first road game against the Boston Celtics.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan. 

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