Knicks coach Brown admits team would not have deserved season-opening win over 76ers

New York Knicks coach Mike Brown has voiced serious concerns about his team's performance after they fell to the Philadelphia 76ers in their season opener, admitting he would not have felt comfortable claiming a victory even had one arrived, given the quality of play on display.

Brown acknowledged that the Knicks could not afford to lean on late-game heroics or the euphoria of their championship ring ceremony as a substitute for solid basketball, describing the approach as "playing with fire" and warning that such habits would not sustain a title defence over a long season.

The 76ers, meanwhile, delivered a commanding statement on opening night, with centre Joel Embiid posting 13 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Embiid, who was described as being "all over the place" during the contest, has already set his sights on earning All-Defensive team honours this season.

The victory also marked a notable occasion for Philadelphia, as LeBron James began his record 24th NBA season in the league. The Sixers used the occasion to send an early message to the rest of the conference that they intend to be genuine contenders for New York's crown, with the defending champions left to reflect on a worrying start to their campaign.