PHILADELPHIA (Azat TV) – In an electric atmosphere at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Friday, October 31, 2026, the Philadelphia 76ers secured a 98-93 victory over the defending champion New York Knicks in their NBA Cup group stage opener, CBS Sports reported. The win propelled Philadelphia to a 5-1 start to the season and handed the team its second victory over New York this year, following an opening-night triumph.
41-year-old superstar LeBron James delivered his most complete performance of the season, recording 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, narrowly missing a triple-double. With his 20-point tally, James tied Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the fifth-oldest player in NBA history to reach that scoring threshold in a single game, further extending milestones in his record-setting 24th professional season, Newsweek reported.
A Fourth-Quarter Thriller and Clutch Execution
Philadelphia appeared to control much of the contest, building a 14-point advantage before New York orchestrated a furious fourth-quarter comeback. Jalen Brunson connected on a three-pointer with 1:32 remaining to give the Knicks a 90-89 lead, sending the traveling New York fans into a frenzy.
Faced with a deficit in the game’s final minutes, James stepped forward. He knocked down a go-ahead fadeaway jumper with 1:10 left on the clock to restore Philadelphia’s lead. Rookie V.J. Edgecombe followed with a crucial insurance three-pointer, and James sealed the outcome with a late tip-in basket.
Supporting Cast and Injury Context
Tyrese Maxey paced the 76ers offensively with 27 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Anfernee Simons provided a massive spark off the bench, contributing 21 points on efficient 7-for-11 shooting, including 5-for-8 from beyond the arc. For the Knicks, Brunson finished with 24 points despite appearing to roll an ankle late in the contest, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 22 points and 12 rebounds.
The victory carried extra significance for a shorthanded Philadelphia squad playing without Jaylen Brown. Brown missed his first game of the season due to left knee patellar tendinopathy, leaving Maxey as the only 76er to start every game thus far. Coach Nick Nurse’s team has managed a strong 5-1 record despite their regular starting five having shared the floor together only three times.
Looking Ahead
The physical matchup offered distinct challenges for both Eastern Conference contenders. While New York prepares to host the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, the 76ers hit the road to face the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. Meanwhile, James praised Maxey’s dedication after the final whistle, noting that the young guard strives for legendary status rather than mere greatness.