LeBron James Greeted With ‘We Don’t Want You’ Chants & Heckling in Season Opener Against Knicks

LeBron James faced "We don't want you!" chants and a heated exchange with a Knicks fan during his 76ers debut.

LeBron James Greeted With ‘We Don’t Want You’ Chants & Heckling in Season Opener Against Knicks

LeBron James (Image credits - Yahoo Sports)

LeBron James is back for his 24th season in the NBA. Following his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer, James took to court for the first time as a Philadelphia 76ers player.

His new chapter with the 76ers began with a memorable victory as the 76ers won a close 106-100 game over the defending-champion New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night. The win may have been a small preview of what is to come in next year’s playoffs.

The Knicks and 76ers share one of the oldest and most intense rivalries in the NBA. Emotions were high in the arena during the ring ceremony and championship banner raising. However, James quickly fit into the long-standing rivalry between the two teams.

The King was treated to a hostile environment at MSG. As he stepped to the free-throw line, Knicks fans erupted with unified chants of “We don’t want you!” James made his first free throw and missed the second as the crowd celebrated.

There may be some backstory to the taunts. It was recently revealed that James dreamt of being drafted by the Knicks and playing at MSG in 2003.

Unfortunately for him and the Knicks, the plan failed in 2003. After becoming a free agent, James was linked to the franchise in the summer. However, he decided against the move as the Knicks lifted the championship last season.

In the end, he chose to sign with their rival team, which may have rubbed the Knicks fanbase the wrong way. So it is not surprising to hear the chants, since there was a plausible scenario where James would have opened the season in a Knicks uniform.

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LeBron James gets heated with Knicks fan on opening night

It is never a dull day whenever the King sets foot in the Mecca of Basketball. James has had several iconic moments against the New York Knicks at MSG throughout his career.

LeBron James
LeBron James (Image credits – Inquirer Sports)

The hostile chants were not the only interactions between the player and the fans. During the first half, a moment was captured on broadcast where LeBron James went off against a random fan sitting courtside.

It was a tense exchange, and Spike Lee tried to play peacemaker. James was heard yelling,

I’m not from the West Coast, I’m from Ohio baby, fu** is you talking about?

LeBron James to a court side Knicks fan

The Knicks have tried to pursue James at every opportunity. They first tried in 2010, before he signed with the Miami Heat, and again in 2018, when he chose the Lakers. It was the third time the Knicks were unlucky, but fans did not take it well despite being the reigning champions.

LeBron James was happy for Knicks fans after the game

There was a lot of hype and excitement heading into the opening night fixture between the two sides. The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson were looking to get their title defense underway with emotions running high, while LeBron James and his teammates were there to spoil the party.

Despite all the chants and heckling, the 76ers looked like the dominant team that many expect them to be this season. Both teams were neck-and-neck in the first half, with the Knicks taking a slender four-point lead into halftime. However, the 76ers came roaring back in the third quarter and held on to their lead for the rest of the game.

After the win, the four-time champion was asked about spoiling the Knicks’ celebrations on opening night.

I wouldn’t say that. It was a great night for New York fans…50+ years. I was a part of that at one point where we hadn’t won a major championship in Cleveland in over 50 years. The fans will never forget this moment, will never forget that championship run. And we’re happy that we just able to come and play on such a historical night.

LeBron James in his media scrum

LeBron James dropped 14 points on 5-of-13 shooting in 34 minutes on Tuesday night. It was an all-round performance as he also grabbed nine rebounds and dished out seven assists to go along with one steal and one block.

The 76ers still have a lot of work to be done in terms of improving their team chemistry. However, a win over the defending champions is an ideal start, and they will be looking to build on it as the games come thick and fast.

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