LeBron Delivers Late as Sixers Edge Knicks 98-93 in NBA Cup Opener

LeBron James delivered when it mattered most on Friday night as the Philadelphia 76ers edged the New York Knicks 98-93 in their opening game of Emirates NBA Cup play at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 27 points, while James finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. With the game in the balance late, Brunson's three-pointer gave New York a 90-89 lead with 1:32 remaining, only for James to answer with a tough fadeaway on the next possession and a key putback to put the Sixers back in front for good. Rookie VJ Edgecombe added a clutch three-pointer and finished with 13 points, while Anfernee Simons shone in an expanded role with Jaylen Brown sidelined by a knee injury. The win moved Philadelphia to five wins from their first six games. For New York, Jalen Brunson scored 24 points on 8-of-22 shooting and Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 22 points and 12 rebounds, but the Knicks have now lost four of their first six games, including two defeats against Philadelphia.