Sixers’ first win offers glimpse of how LeBron James, new lineup can work

The Sixers have plenty to figure out about sharing the ball. Their first win offered something just as useful — evidence that they can win without having the offense completely figured out.

Philadelphia spoiled the Knicks’ championship celebration Tuesday, leaving Madison Square Garden with a 106-100 victory in the debuts of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. The offense took time to develop. The defense gave it that time.

As Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice details in his opening-night breakdown, the Sixers’ ability to defend and execute late stood out against the defending champions.

That’s an encouraging starting point for coach Nick Nurse, whose challenge goes well beyond drawing up plays for a collection of accomplished scorers.

When New York cut Philadelphia’s lead to one with under five minutes remaining, the Sixers found several ways to answer. Joel Embiid hit a three-pointer and twice found VJ Edgecombe cutting toward the basket. Tyrese Maxey turned a steal into a dunk. James rotated over to disrupt a Mikal Bridges layup and later secured a defensive rebound that helped finish the job.

Those possessions showed why this group could become difficult to handle. Philadelphia didn’t need one player to manufacture every big play.

James’ role will be particularly interesting. Aaronson observed that he was less assertive with the ball than during the preseason, finding his rhythm in the third quarter through transition passing and scoring opportunities. Playing alongside Maxey, Embiid and Brown gives him options, though determining when to direct the offense and when to work away from the ball will take repetition.

Brown faces his own adjustment after arriving from Boston. Aaronson notes that his offensive aggression increased in staggered lineups, continuing a preseason pattern in which he was less involved when all five starters shared the court.

Nurse also used Brown at power forward with Dean Wade and Dominick Barlow sidelined. That flexibility could prove useful, particularly if Brown can contribute through defense, cutting and finishing while his scoring opportunities fluctuate.

Embiid’s defensive movement supplied another reason for optimism. According to Aaronson, Nurse changed the matchups after halftime, putting James on Karl-Anthony Towns and allowing Embiid to roam off Josh Hart. Edgecombe also provided effective stretches against Jalen Brunson.

There were problems, most notably on the glass. Andre Drummond reached a double-double within 10 minutes of entering the game, Aaronson reported, exposing Philadelphia’s vulnerability to offensive rebounds. Nurse briefly turned to Jabari Walker after Adem Bona’s difficult stint.

But the bench supplied offense, too. Anfernee Simons hit three third-quarter threes, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope made two important ones in the fourth.

One game won’t settle the questions about roles, rebounding or durability. It did give the Sixers a win while they work through them. Their next test comes Thursday, when the Cavaliers visit for Philadelphia’s home opener.