LeBron James delivered the decisive moment and Tyrese Maxey led the scoring as the Philadelphia 76ers opened their NBA Cup campaign with a 98–93 win over the New York Knicks. The game turned in the closing minutes after New York briefly moved in front.
The Knicks held a 90–89 lead with 1:32 remaining after Jalen Brunson knocked down a three-pointer. James answered with a go-ahead fadeaway at the 1:10 mark, V.J. Edgecombe added an insurance three, and Philadelphia made enough plays at the line and on the glass to close out a five-point win.
James takes over when the game is on the line
James produced one of his strongest performances of the early season, finishing with 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. His late fadeaway gave Philadelphia the lead for good, and he followed it with a tip-in that helped put the result beyond reach. It was the kind of composed late-game sequence the 76ers needed in a closely contested opener.
Maxey led Philadelphia with 27 points and remained a steady source of offence throughout the game. His scoring kept the 76ers close while the Knicks threatened to take control in the fourth quarter.
Knicks threaten, but cannot finish the comeback
Brunson scored 24 points for New York and gave the Knicks a one-point advantage with his late three-pointer. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 12 rebounds, but the Knicks could not prevent Philadelphia from creating the decisive shot in the final 70 seconds.
The result was a low-scoring, possession-by-possession contest rather than an offensive shootout. The closing sequence highlighted how much a single defensive stop or late-clock basket can matter in a Cup game.
Brunson’s three-pointer put New York ahead 90–89 with 1:32 left. James answered with the go-ahead fadeaway at 1:10, and Edgecombe followed with an insurance three-pointer.
Why the NBA Cup opener matters
Group Play games count toward both the regular-season standings and the Emirates NBA Cup table. That makes every result important beyond the tournament itself. Philadelphia earns an early group win, while New York must respond in its remaining Group Play fixtures to keep its route to the knockout stage under control.
The 76ers’ late execution is a positive sign, but one game does not settle the group. The next fixtures will test whether Philadelphia can repeat its defensive discipline and whether the Knicks can convert close finishes into wins.
What comes next
The opening night also features the Lakers at Warriors in West Group C, scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET on Friday, October 30, at Chase Center. Its final result should be confirmed through the NBA’s official game centre. The tournament’s Group Play stage continues through November 27 before the knockout rounds begin in December.
Sportimatic takeaway
Philadelphia’s 98–93 win was built around a strong closing stretch. Maxey supplied the scoring, James made the decisive play, and Edgecombe’s three-pointer gave the home side enough breathing room to finish the job. New York had opportunities to close the game, but the final possessions belonged to the 76ers.
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Sources and further reading
Final score: Philadelphia 76ers 98, New York Knicks 93. The game was played Friday, October 30, 2026, in Philadelphia.