Knicks begin NBA Cup title defense with shot at revenge against LeBron James, 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, in New York. CHICAGO — The Knicks will start their secondary title defense like they began their primary — against LeBron and the 76ers. The group stage of the NBA Cup kicks off for the Knicks on Friday night in Philadelphia, a rematch of the regular-season opener from 10 days prior. The Knicks lost that matchup, 106-100, because Tyrese Maxey took off and LeBron finished. This time, the Knicks (2-3) are coming off consecutive victories — against the Pistons and Bulls — while Philadelphia (4-1) is still riding the pace and skill of Maxey, the reigning Eastern Conference player of the week. LeBron James looks to make a move on Josh Hart during the Knicks' season-opening loss to the 76ers. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect "We just need to obviously not do what we did the last time we played them]," Jalen Brunson said. Brunson broke out of his shooting slump in [Wednesday's victory over the Bulls, reeling off 38 points with six treys. The Knicks are in the toughest NBA Cup group with the Sixers, Pacers (game on Nov. 13), Cavs (Nov. 25) and Heat (Nov. 27). The winner automatically advances to the quarterfinals, along with two wild cards from the six groups.