NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates with Tyrese Maxey #0 after scoring a basket to end the third quarter of the game against the New York Knicks 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)
Spoiling the New York Knicks‘ banner night was the Philadelphia 76ers’ goal on October 20.
Mission accomplished. The Sixers went into Madison Square Garden with their new-look lineup for the first time and came out on top with a win against the champs.
It’s a feel-good situation for the Sixers, but they know they can’t get ahead of themselves. After game one of 82, the superstar forward Jaylen Brown had a humbling message his team will need to hear.
Jaylen Brown Sends 76ers Much-Needed Message After Beating Knicks
GettyCAMDEN, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 28: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex on September 28, 2026 in Camden, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
“I don’t think we sent a message [to the NBA], I think we’re just trying to win as many games as possible, stack days, and I think it’s still early for us,” Brown told reporters.
“We’re still figuring out a lot of stuff, so we still got a lot to learn and grow. But it’s good to learn and grow and win at the same time. Yeah, we got talent. We’re very talented, so like, we can get it going at any night. Anybody can get it going.”
Brown made it clear that the Sixers are excited about their first win of the year, but there is still a lot to work on in the coming months.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 5: Tyrese Maxey #0 and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers react from the bench against the New York Knicks in the second quarter during the preseason game at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 5, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
“It’s good–that’s what we wanted to do–be a little spoiler,” Brown added.
“Obviously, the Knicks’ accomplishment was great, but it’s a new season. New year. We’re just trying to come out and set the tone.”
Jaylen Brown’s 76ers Debut vs Knicks
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the third quarter of the game against Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks 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)
The 76ers rolled out Brown for 35 minutes on Tuesday night.
The veteran forward shot 7-for-14 from the field and hit on half of his four threes.
Brown finished the game with 19 points. He was just two rebounds shy of logging a double-double, and also had six assists on the offensive end. Defensively, Brown snatched up one steal and had one block.
The 76ers defeated the Knicks with a 106-100 score. After moving to 1-0 on the season, the Sixers will go to South Philly, where they’ll host the Cleveland Cavaliers for their first home game of the regular season.
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
Spoiling the New York Knicks‘ banner night was the Philadelphia 76ers’ goal on October 20. Mission accomplished. The Sixers went into Madison Square Garden with their new-look lineup for the first time and came out on top with a win against the champs. It’s a feel-good situation for the Sixers, but they know they can’t […]
