Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid before a game against the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena with 76ers' Tyrese Maxey in the background
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
NEW YORK — After a 106-100 win over the New York Knicks on Opening Night, Philadelphia 76ers veteran center Joel Embiid told Tyrese Maxey something felt different about facing the Knicks. All-Star LeBron James made his 76ers debut as well as Jaylen Brown.
In the revamped 76ers' first game of 2026-27, Embiid felt the difference against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
“I think just we have the talent. I think the focus in everything that we do,” Embiid said. “Locked in every possession and to the game plan, and the adjustments. Just being out there defensively. I think a lot of it falls on me. I put it on me. If I want to be All-Defense like I used to be, that changes everything for our team. So if I can play that way every single night, which I will, changes everything.”
Joel Embiid finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and two steals for the 76ers. Tyrese Maey led the 76ers with 28 points, five assists, four rebounds, three blocks, and three steals, and Jaylen Brown added 14 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.