James delivers late as Philadelphia holds off New York
LeBron James put up 20 points and connected on the go-ahead fadeaway with 1:10 remaining, helping the Philadelphia 76ers defeat the New York Knicks 98-93 in an NBA Cup group game on Friday night. Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 27 points. James came close to a triple-double, collecting nine rebounds and eight assists, and he closed out the result with a tip-in.[S1][S2][S3][S4]
The game unfolded in a full Philadelphia arena that carried a playoff atmosphere. Jalen Brunson drained a 3-pointer to put New York ahead 90-89 with 1:32 left, drawing the loudest reaction of the night from the Knicks supporters who had traveled to the game. V.J. Edgecombe then hit a 3-pointer that stretched the Philadelphia lead to four points and provided insurance.[S1]
Brunson finished with 24 points for New York and appeared to roll an ankle late in the game. Karl-Anthony Towns added 22. When Brunson stepped to the free-throw line late in the quarter, scattered MVP chants rose from the crowd, but Philadelphia fans quickly drowned them out with boos.[S1]
A 5-1 start despite a shuffled lineup
Philadelphia has now beaten New York twice this season, having also won in New York on opening night in James' debut with the team. The Knicks won last season's Cup final against San Antonio and went on to beat the Spurs in the championship series as well.[S1][S2][S3][S4]
The Sixers are 5-1 even though their regular starting five has taken the floor together only three times. Jaylen Brown sat out for the first time this season because of soreness in his left knee, which left Maxey as the only Philadelphia player to start every game. The team did not indicate whether Brown would miss additional games.[S1]
The 41-year-old James turned in perhaps his strongest performance since joining Philadelphia, showing flashes of his MVP form. In the first half he powered past Mikal Bridges in the post for a basket, and in the third quarter he chased down OG Anunoby for a blocked shot.[S1]
With James' arrival raising championship hopes, Sixers fans appeared to hold on to their tickets rather than list them for resale, and Knicks fans were far less numerous in the building than during last season's playoff series. New York next hosts Brooklyn on Monday, while Philadelphia plays at Charlotte on Saturday.[S1]
