NEW YORK — After All-Star LeBron James made his Philadelphia 76ers debut in a 106-100 win against the New York Knicks, he shared what impressed him most about Tyrese Maxey, who tallied a game-high 28 points. Joel Embiid told Maxey he felt something different about the 76ers' approach against the Knicks, a division rival. Philadelphia spoiled New York's first championship banner night in 53 years on Tuesday.
After the win, James revealed what stood out most about Maxey's impressive performance.
“His stamina. It seems like he doesn't get tired,” James said. “He's one of the fastest guys in the league. If not the fastest, with or without the ball.”
“His stamina. It seems like he doesn’t get tired. He’s one of the fastest guys in the league. If not, the fastest, with or without the ball”
LeBron James on what’s impressed him the most about Tyrese Maxey in the 76ers’ win against the Knicks pic.twitter.com/quFBhrfWH3
— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) October 21, 2026
76ers' Tyrese Maxey went 9-of-19 attempts from the floor, including a pair of threes, and 8-for-9 from the free-throw line. He also finished with five assists, four rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. LeBron James added 14 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, one steals, and one block in his 76ers debut at Madison Square Garden.
Although the 76ers kicked off the 2026-27 regular season 1-0, James understands there's still 81 games left. Still, it's a step in the right direction for a Sixers team that added nine players to its roster over the summer.
Article Continues Below“It's one game. Obviously, we can lear from the good things that we did. We can learn from the bad things we did tonight,” James said after Tuesday's win. “I thought in the fourth quarter we did a good job of executing. We did a good job of pressing the tempo when we got the lead. And then, when they cut the lead, they made some timely shots.
“Obviously, Tyrese was Tyrese. When you look at the three on the right wing from Joel, when you look at the three from KCP right by their bench at the end of the clock, and some of the plays that JB and JV had was special, too. Big shoutout to Ant [Anfernee Simons], too. Those minutes he gave us really was crucial.
With second leg of the 76ers' first back-to-back of the season on deck, the Sixers won't have time to celebrate much before hosting the Cleveland Cavs on Wednesday.