LeBron James helped the Philadelphia 76ers beat the New York Knicks 106-100 on the opening night of the new NBA season.

Ahead of opening nights every year, we have seen bold declarations from almost every fan base, and some of them go a bit overboard.

The Knicks were crowned champions last season, so their supporters had every reason to be optimistic. But one fan will probably regret what he said before the game.

Who do you think is going to be the Knicks' surprise of the season?

A rookie, a bench guy breaking into the rotation, or a starter ready to take a leap – you decide 👇

Knicks fan’s dig at LeBron James and the 76ers backfires

Every fan is entitled to be optimistic about their side before the first whistle of the season, but one Knicks fan perhaps went a bit overboard.

After a fantastic season last time out, this New York fan felt his side were above everyone else and would walk the NBA this season.

He went as far as saying that even Jesus wouldn’t be able to save the 76ers, let alone new arrivals LeBron James and Jaylen Brown.

The fan said on CNN: “On the trip last year, the NBA has been scrambling. So many people got traded to other teams. That’s what we do. We messed the NBA up so bad that everybody got switched over.

“Not alone, the 76ers: They went and got LeBron, they went and got Brown. Who else do you want? Go get Jesus! He ain’t gonna save you. Still Knicks in five!”

Unfortunately for the Knicks fan, his words backfired after the visitors ruined ring night at Madison Square Garden by beating the New Yorkers 106-100.

The Knicks will want to return to winning ways after their opening night defeat when they take on the Boston Celtics, who have also lost their opening game.