NEW YORK — For the first time in years, veteran center Joel Embiid sees potential in the Philadelphia 76ers after spoiling the New York Knicks’ banner night at Madison Square Garden. Embiid knows the 76ers still have a long road ahead. But he’s encouraged by Philadelphia’s early returns after a 106-100 Opening Night win.

With All-Star talent led by Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and LeBron James, the 76ers will be one of the few teams circled on opponents’ proverbial calendars. However, Embiid looks forward to the challenge while the Sixers gradually blossom into a true title contender.

“Yeah, but it’s also the Knicks. Give them a lot of credit. The former champions — a great team; their starting 5 is excellent; hard to guard. So, I think you should expect that from the champs,” Embiid said. “Every other team that comes in is going to give you their best, but I don’t think we should focus so much on that. I don’t worry too much about other teams; like tonight, I came out of it. I don’t even think about New York. I just think about us, like, OK, we look good defensively. What can we get better at?”

“Yeah, but it’s also the Knicks. Give them a lot of credit. The former champions — a great team… I think you should expect that from the champs.

Every other team that comes in is going to give you their best, but I don’t think we should focus so much on that… I just think… pic.twitter.com/kkwXiBJzuX

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) October 21, 2026

For Joel Embiid, the 76ers must evolve into one of the NBA’s best defensive teams this season. For the first time in years, he feels healthy, inspired, and driven to revert to an All-Defensive center in 2026-27. However, if the Sixers want a deep playoff run, monitoring Embiid’s usage will be critical. Perhaps the 2023 MVP’s version of an All-Defensive center in 2027 won’t happen in the literal sense, since he’d have to play at least 65 regular-season games.

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When the Knicks pulled away with a 10-point lead, LeBron James took over at center for Embiid, helping the 76ers find their stride in the third quarter and eventually build a nine-point lead. James finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Tyrese Maxey led all scorers with 28 points, and Jaylen Brown finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.

Embiid finished with a double-double (13 points, 11 rebounds), plus six assists, three blocks, and two steals. The Sixers’ defense nearly held the Knicks to under 100 points, a clear step in the right direction early in the regular season.