LeBron James won his Philadelphia 76ers debut on Tuesday night, but he did not leave Madison Square Garden without taking a jab at how the defending champions were treated by the officials. During the 76ers’ 106-100 win over the New York Knicks, James was caught on camera voicing his frustration with the referees.
In a clip shared by Jomboy Media, the 41-year-old could be heard suggesting the Knicks were already benefiting from their new status. “They win one chip, they get a championship whistle,” he said.
The remark came on a night built around New York’s title. Before tipoff, the Knicks received their championship rings and raised their first banner in 53 years after beating the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.
James was not exactly feeling the love from the crowd, either. Knicks fans chanted “We don’t want you” at him as he stepped to the free-throw line in the first half, and he missed the second attempt. He was also seen jawing with fans in the stands later in the game.
The whistle did not cost Philadelphia in the end. The Knicks led 58-54 at halftime, but the 76ers outscored them 29-18 in the third quarter to take control. James set up Jaylen Brown for a buzzer-beating three to end the period, and Tyrese Maxey’s late steal and layup helped put the game away.
James finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists while playing more of a facilitating role. He shot 5-of-13 from the field and 4-of-6 from the free-throw line, including two clinching free throws with seven seconds left. The win also snapped a strange streak, as James’ teams had lost all four of his previous debuts with a new franchise.
Maxey led all scorers with 28 points, while Brown added 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists in his own 76ers debut. Jalen Brunson scored 21 points for New York but needed 19 shots to get there.
Complaining about officiating is nothing new for James, but doing it at MSG on ring night is sure to add some extra spice to a budding Eastern Conference rivalry.
The 76ers will look to stay unbeaten when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.