Knicks Raise Championship Banner at MSG as NBA Title Defense Begins

The New York Knicks opened the 2026-27 NBA season at Madison Square Garden as defending champions for the first time in 53 years. Before tipoff against the Philadelphia 76ers at 7 p.m., the team held a banner-raising ceremony, hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy banner alongside the franchise's two prior championship flags. The Knicks won their first title since 1973 earlier this year, defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games. Team captain Jalen Brunson called the moment 'definitely special' and said it reflected 'something that's been brewing for a long time.' In the days before the home opener, a glass-walled bus carrying the trophy toured all five boroughs starting in Brooklyn. The event was a near sellout with resale tickets around $1,500. The ceremony marks the start of one of the most anticipated home-court celebrations in Madison Square Garden history.