What happened: New York trimmed its deficit to two early in the fourth quarter against Philadelphia on opening night. Jose Alvarado drove the push, with Ben Stiller among those reacting courtside.

Why it matters: The opener starts a title defense after the franchise's first championship in 53 years. Alvarado is playing his first opener after joining New York this summer.

What to watch: The finish decides whether banner night opens with a win. The closing minutes will show who finishes for New York.