NBA opening night: champion New York Knicks lose to 76ers, Paul George debuts with 38 points

The new season of the NBA, the North American professional basketball league, is under way, and on the first night of games last season's champions, the New York Knicks, suffered a home defeat. They lost 100-106 to the Philadelphia 76ers (quarters: 25-23, 33-31, 18-29, 24-23).

Tyrese Maxey led the visitors with 28 points. New arrival Jaylen Brown added 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while LeBron James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, debuted for his new team with 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. The 76ers also strengthened over the offseason with role players Anfernee Simons, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Dean Wade. For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson scored 21 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns had 19 points and 12 rebounds.

Oklahoma City beats the Spurs

In a clash between last season's Western Conference finalists, the Oklahoma City Thunder won 116-104 in San Antonio. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points, Jared McCain 20 and Chet Holmgren 14. For the Spurs, Stephon Castle had 24 points and Dylan Harper 18, while team leader Victor Wembanyama made only one of 13 shots and finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks. Last year the Thunder, winners of the regular season, beat the Spurs just once in five regular-season games and also lost to them in the conference final, 3-4.

Detroit comes back against Boston

The Detroit Pistons overturned a 22-point deficit at home to beat the Boston Celtics 121-113. Jalen Duren and Cade Cunningham each scored 22 points, Duncan Robinson added 21 and Javonte Green 19. Celtics debutant Paul George, 36, scored 38 points, but it was not enough for a win. George joined Boston in a trade that sent Brown the other way, and his ability to approach his former level had been questioned.