NEED TO KNOW

• The Knicks lost 106-100 to the 76ers in their season opener at Madison Square Garden

• Jalen Brunson said the defeat should humble the team and put its egos in check

• New York raised its first championship banner since 1973 after winning the title in June

Jalen Brunson is locking in.

The New York Knicks fell 106-100 to the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 at Madison Square Garden, a tough loss following the Brunson-led team’s 2026 NBA Championship ring ceremony that took place prior to tip-off on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

While speaking with reporters about the disappointing outcome after the game, Brunson — who was named the 2026 NBA Finals MVP — admitted that he’s “happy” to move on from the championship festivities and continue the season normally. However, he made clear that there is no excuse for the loss.

“Definitely not your normal game day,” Brunson, 30, told reporters in the locker room, per a video shared by NBC New York. “We can make all the excuses in the world about that stuff, but I mean I wouldn’t... If you ask me what would I rather have to finish that and not have a regular first game than not, I would do that.”

“Like I said before, I’m just happy we can move forward now,” he emphasized.

Brunson also opened up about the team’s ego, and admitted that the loss humbled them. However, the Knicks captain has a unique perspective on it, viewing it as a good thing for the squad.

“I think it’s good for us to kind of get knocked down off the mountain, humble ourselves, put our egos in check and see what’s going to happen,” he said, per a video shared by SNY Knicks. “Whatever happens these first couple weeks of the season, that’s going to show us who we truly are. So let’s see.”

Ahead of tip-off, emotions ran high for both the Knicks and the nearly 20,000 fans who sold out Madison Square Garden for the 2026 Championship ceremony, which included the distribution of the prized rings and rise of the victory in New York’s home arena.

Led by Brunson — who scored 45 points in the series-clinching Game 5 during the NBA Finals in June — the long-suffering franchise finally brought back the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy to New York City for the first time since 1973.

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Celebrities including Timothée Chalamet, Tracy Morgan, Spike Lee, John Turturro, Sydney Sweeney and Ben Stiller were among the Knicks faithful who traveled to Frost Bank Center in San Antonio to take in the historic scene.

Brunson delivered a heartfelt speech before the banner ceremony.

“What’s up, Knicks fans?” he said. “Most importantly, I want to say thank you to you guys for not leaving Game 4. We really appreciate it, as much as we won this we wouldn’t have done it without you guys... This is unbelievable. This really is a dream come true.”

“I know we’re all excited to get the season going. We’re all ready to turn the page as a team, but one thing I’d like to say... the joy that this city has had this summer, we’d love to replicate that again,” Brunson continued. “Thank you guys, let’s raise this banner. “

As the banner was being hoisted to the rafters on Oct. 20, Brunson and his teammates — plus fans and celebrities like Mariska Hargitay, Stiller, Lee and Morgan — watched in awe before their season-opening clash against LeBron James and the 76ers.

The broadcast captured Brunson, Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns and the Knicks smiling at the sight that was 53 years in the making.

Read the original article on People