76ers, Thunder, Pistons win on opening day

MANILA, Philippines, October 22 ------ The 2026-27 NBA season tipped off with the Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder starting their campaign on a high note.

In Pistons vs Celtics, Javonte Green scored 19 points after not playing in the first half and Cade Cunningham finished with 22 points and eight assists, helping the Detroit Pistons come back and beat the Boston Celtics 121-113. The Pistons won despite trailing by as many as 22, 72-50, in the third quarter. Paul George, who is in his 17th season, scored 38 points, the most by a Celtic in his debut.

In 76ers vs Knicks, The Philadelphia 76ers sent an opening-night message they’ll be a contender for the New York Knicks’ NBA title after adding LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, rallying for a 106-100 victory. Tyrese Maxey scored 28 points and Brown had 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists in his first game since being acquired from Boston. James began his NBA-record 24th season by finishing with 14 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Jalen Brunson scored 21 points but the NBA Finals MVP shot just 6 for 19 from the field for the Knicks, who raised their NBA championship banner and received their rings before the game.

In Thunder vs Spurs, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 32 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their season with a 116-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, the team that ended their dreams of a title defense last season. San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama had 12 points but was 1 for 13 from the field. Jared McCain added 20 points on 6-for-8 shooting on 3-pointers as Oklahoma City led for all but the opening five minutes of the game.

Source: inquirer.net