The New York Knicks had an incredible playoff run, losing just three total games in the postseason. Jalen Brunson led the way, averaging 28.4 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game, leading the Knicks to their first championship since 1993.
It’s a common thought the Knicks would be a trendy pick to come out of the East again this season, but the team that had a huge offseason – the Philadelphia 76ers – will be quite a handful after adding Jaylen Brown in a trade with the Celtics and legend LeBron James via free agency.
The NBA decided to increase the drama by putting the two teams together on opening night.
Jalen Brunson Says Knicks will ‘Be Ready’ for LeBron James, 76ers on Opening Night
The Knicks, as the defending champions usually do, will tip off their NBA season on opening night by hosting the 76ers.
Brunson’s Knicks easily disposed of the 76ers in four games, winning all but one game by double digits and closing the series out with a dominating 144-114 victory. Of course, with James and Brown on the roster, things could look a lot different in Philadelphia.
Brunson, along with his mother Sandra, a former volleyball player at Temple, appeared on the Today Show Tuesday morning. Brunson was asked about their opening night matchup with James and the 76ers.
Jalen Brunson on facing the 76ers opening night:
“Fireworks for sure. I mean they’re going to be electric, they’re going to be definitely a team to keep your eye on. They reloaded this year. It’s going to be a tough test. But will be ready.” pic.twitter.com/psspqvqnpV
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) August 11, 2026
“Fireworks for sure,” Brunson said. “I mean they’re going to be electric, they’re going to be definitely a team to keep your eye on. They reloaded this year. It’s going to be a tough test. But we’ll be ready.”
Brunson is always quick to give props to his competitors, although, of course, when it comes to James, it is difficult not to.
However, Brunson still sounds excited and extremely confident. And why shouldn’t he be – he is coming off another fantastic season, and was named MVP of the Finals. Obviously, the Knicks were the story in the NBA last year, with plenty of fans rallying around them.
However, that title likely now belongs to James, Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and the rest of the 76ers.
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It will be interesting to see how they look right out of the gate, because it may take them some time to gel before we see them come anywhere near their full potential. Of course, with a team like Philadelphia, they’re just hoping to be healthy (specifically Embiid) by the time the playoffs start.
The Knicks and 76ers will tip off at 7:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, October 20, and will be followed by a Western Conference Finals rematch between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs at 9:30 p.m. ET. Things will get underway earlier in the day at 3:00 p.m. ET when the Celtics and Pistons face off. All three games will be shown on NBC and Peacock.
