What happened: The moment came before tip of the season opener at Madison Square Garden. It paired James' long-running pregame ritual with his first Sixers debut night alongside Maxey.

Why it matters: Openers set early tone for a reworked Philadelphia rotation around James and Embiid. A road win at MSG gives that group an immediate result to build on. Maxey's recovery block already highlighted his two-way activity on tip-off night.

What to watch: Philadelphia continues the early schedule with rotation roles and closing minutes under watch.