Key Takeaways

• New York celebrated its first championship banner in 53 years at Madison Square Garden before losing to the Philadelphia 76ers 106-100, a reminder that the celebratory mood did not translate into early-season success.
• In Boston, Jayson Tatum carried the Celtics with 36 points as the visitors closed strong, while Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 22 points and OG Anunoby added a near double-double (20 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists).
• Brunson has not yet found his form through two games, going 6-for-19 against Philadelphia and totaling 19 points in Boston, signaling a noticeable dip from the championship run.
• New York is adjusting to life without Mitchell Robinson, the sole rotation piece not returning to defend the title after he signed with Boston.
• Historically, every reigning champion since 2011-12 had won at least one of its first two games, a benchmark the Knicks have now diverged from as momentum stalled early in the season.
• The Knicks return home to host the Orlando Magic, aiming for their first win as defending champions and to curb any growing narrative about a slow start.