The New York Knicks suffered a blow as their NBA Cup defense began with a loss to LeBron James’ Philadelphia 76ers.

Last year, the Knicks became the third team to win the NBA Cup, defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Las Vegas. It was not the title the franchise craved, and even led to controversy over whether they would hang a banner at Madison Square Garden, but the matchup proved to be an NBA Finals preview as the Knicks became the first team to complete the Cup-Championship double.

But their hopes of retaining the Cup were dealt a blow on Friday night. Having fallen to the 76ers in the season-opener, Philadelphia hosted New York and secured a 98-93 win at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers in scoring, putting up 27 points on an efficient night, while James demonstrated his all-around dominance by pouring in 20 points along with 9 rebounds and 8 assists. It was perhaps the 41-year-old’s best display in a Philadelphia jersey, which excites fans.

The 76ers were without starting guard Jaylen Brown, who was sidelined with left patellar tendinopathy. Despite being without the former Finals MVP, who is averaging 20.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, the 76ers notched an impressive win to improve to 5-1 and maintain their near-perfect start to the season.

Without Brown, James took on more of an offensive mantle. The four-time NBA MVP played aggressive on both ends of the floor, knocking down a pair of early 3-pointers - which forced the Knicks to respect him whenever he was near the arc the rest of the way. - while he provided a vintage moment in the second quarter.

With two minutes remaining in the first half, Maxey screened for James, who immediately put his back to the basket against Mikal Bridges. Joel Embiid then slipped the ball to James, and the NBA's all-time leading scorer impressively finished through contact for an and-one basket.

But it was his late interventions that made the difference. After Jalen Brunson hit a 3-pointer to give New York a 90-89 lead with 1:32 remaining, James answered right back with a tough clutch fadeaway jumper with 1:10 left to put Philadelphia back on top.

Then, with 11.9 seconds remaining and the Sixers clinging to a late possession, James sealed the victory with a critical tip-in after Maxey's miss to extend the lead to five points.

Alongside Maxey and James, Embiid finished with 10 points, seven rebounds and seven assists while VJ Edgecombe added 13 points. Anfernee Simons caught fire off the bench, putting up 21 points.

For the Knicks, Brunson led the way with 24 points, five rebounds and six assists. But the defending champions have slipped to 2-4, having opened the season with three successive losses.

After the first quarter, the 76ers led 29-21 and extended their advantage to 14 points before the Knicks cut into the deficit, entering halftime down 53-44. Brunson put up 13 points in the third quarter to help the Knicks in the hunt, while Simmons carried the scoring burden for Philadelphia in the third quarter.

The two rivals then went back-and-forth down the stretch, with James playing a key role in grinding out a fifth 76ers win of the season.

While the Knicks can get back to winning ways against the winless Brooklyn Nets on Monday, James and the 76ers return to action on the road against the 3-3 Charlotte Hornets on Saturday.