LeBron James and Sixers spoil Knicks’ title party as Thunder and Pistons win NBA openers

The Philadelphia 76ers sent an opening-night message that they intend to challenge the New York Knicks for the NBA title after adding LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, rallying for a 106-100 victory.

Tyrese Maxey scored 28 points and Brown had 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists in his first game since being acquired from Boston. James began his NBA-record 24th season with 14 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

The 76ers got three three-pointers from Anfernee Simons and two from fellow newcomer Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, as the reserves took advantage of open looks when the Knicks were caught focusing too much on Philadelphia’s bigger names.

Jalen Brunson scored 21 points but the NBA finals MVP shot just six for 19 from the field.

Brunson told fans inside Madison Square Garden during a pregame ceremony, when the Knicks raised their NBA championship banner and received their rings: “The joy that this city had this summer, we would love to replicate that again.”

Maybe they can, but they will have to play a lot better than they did on Tuesday, when they shot 37% overall and 33.3% from three-point range. Karl-Anthony Towns had 19 points and 12 rebounds.

The Knicks dominated the 76ers in a second-round sweep in last season’s playoffs as they galloped towards their first NBA title since 1973.

In the offseason, Philadelphia traded for Brown and signed James after the NBA’s career scoring leader decided to leave the Los Angeles Lakers, giving the 76ers the potential to be one of the best teams in the league.