The New York Knicks opened their NBA title defense with a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. They began their NBA Cup title defense the same way on Friday.

The first night of 2026 NBA Cup play saw the defending champions once again fall to Philadelphia, this time by a score of 98-93, despite the absence of Jaylen Brown due to patellar tendinopathy. They nearly pulled off a double-digit comeback in the fourth quarter, taking the lead at one point.

However, the Sixers immediately responded with five straight points, capped off by a dagger from VJ Edgecombe.

Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 25 points on 10-of-18 shooting, while James wasn’t far from a triple-double with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists. Anfernee Simons added 21 points on 11 shots off the bench.

The Knicks also lost their NBA Cup opener last season, but won the next three games to earn first place in their group. They defeated the San Antonio Spurs in the championship game, then went on to win their first NBA Finals in 53 years.

Beyond the NBA Cup, the loss continues a rough start for New York, whose overall record is now 2-4.

Dunk of the Night

Kevin Durant, 38 years young.