NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Vj Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers defends Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks during the first quarter of the game at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks started their 2026-2027 NBA season off by hosting the Philadelphia 76ers for banner night.
The occasion was spoiled by the new-look 76ers, who clearly wanted to make a statement to the rest of the league.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks speaks with Rick Brunson during the Ring Ceremony prior to the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
However, the Knicks had every reason to be excited. After all, they just won the NBA Championship for the first time in decades. The team got to raise its banner and issue rings to its players.
Not only was Madison Square Garden packed out, by NBA fans tuned in at a historic rate. On Thursday, the NBA announced that it was the most-watched opening night in the history of the league.
NBA Makes Major Announcement After 76ers-Knicks Game
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket during the third quarter of the game against Vj Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
“Tuesday’s 76ers-Knicks and Thunder-Spurs doubleheader was the NBA’s most-watched opening night ever, averaging 6.41 million viewers on NBC/Peacock,” the league wrote on X.
“The 76ers’ victory over the Knicks was the league’s most-watched primetime opening night game ever, averaging 7.71 million viewers and peaking at 9.1 million viewers at 9:45 p.m. ET.”
While the Sixers and the Knicks made the biggest contribution with their six-plus million viewers, the very first game of the season between the Boston Celtics and the Detroit Pistons generated more than 700 million views across social media. That marks another opening night record for the NBA.
Knicks vs Sixers Rivalry In 2026-2027
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Miles McBride #2 of the New York Knicks battle for possession on a jump ball during the second quarter of the game at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images)
The Knicks defeated the Sixers en route to the NBA Finals last season.
Philadelphia got its revenge to start the season, as they defeated the Knicks 106-100. LeBron James’ debut with the Sixers included 14 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and one block.
Tyrese Maxey led the way for the Sixers with 28 points and five assists.
On the Knicks’ side, Jalen Brunson contributed 21 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Karl-Anthony Towns was next in line with a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double.
The Knicks will continue their season on Friday, October 23, with a game against the Boston Celtics. They’ll revisit the 76ers rivalry on October 30, with an NBA Cup game.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA/NFL reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
The New York Knicks started their 2026-2027 NBA season off by hosting the Philadelphia 76ers for banner night. The occasion was spoiled by the new-look 76ers, who clearly wanted to make a statement to the rest of the league. However, the Knicks had every reason to be excited. After all, they just won the NBA […]
