The Philadelphia 76ers beat the New York Knicks 106-100 at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, spoiling the night the Knicks raised their NBA championship banner and received their rings, AP reported. Tyrese Maxey led all scorers with 28 points, NBC Sports reported.

LeBron James opened his NBA-record 24th season with 14 points and nine rebounds in his 76ers debut, AP reported. Jaylen Brown had 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists in his first game since his trade from Boston, according to AP.

James spent part of the game playing center and guarding Karl-Anthony Towns, ESPN reported. Joel Embiid said it was his idea for James to fill in at center after he picked up his third foul late in the second quarter, according to ESPN. With the Sixers up 102-98 late, James' pressure on Towns led to a Maxey steal and dunk, ESPN reported.

Philadelphia closed the third quarter on an 11-0 run capped by Brown's 3-pointer at the buzzer for an 83-76 lead, AP reported. Knicks guard Jalen Brunson scored 21 points on 6-of-19 shooting, and Towns had 19 points and 12 rebounds, according to AP. New York shot 37% from the field.

"Obviously, KAT is very dangerous when he has space," James said, according to ESPN. "I wanted to be there on the catch and not give him no airspace."

The Knicks beat San Antonio in five games last season for their first championship since 1973, AP reported. Philadelphia then traded for Brown and signed James after he left the Los Angeles Lakers, according to AP. Embiid finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds, ESPN reported.

What we know: Philadelphia beat New York 106-100 behind Maxey's 28 points in James' debut.
What we don't: How often James will keep playing center this season.