What happened: The pass from James set up Brown at the rim before halftime with the margin at four points. The game is part of a three-game opening-night slate carried on NBC and Peacock.

Why it matters: Early two-man action between James to Brown offers a first live look at the pairing on opening night. A tight halftime margin leaves second-half rotations and the closing lineup as the immediate stakes.

What to watch: Both sides return for the second half with the opener still in the balance.