Philadelphia 76ers took the lineal NBA belt on October 20, 2026, beating New York Knicks 106–100 on the road. It is reign 3,244 in the belt's history and the 201st for the franchise.
New York Knicks had held it since June 10, 2026: 132 days and 1 defense.
Philadelphia 76ers last held the belt in 2025–26, 301 days before this one; that reign lasted 4 days with 1 defense.
The reign lasted 5 days and 2 defenses, ending October 25, 2026 against Detroit Pistons.
The game
76ers Take Belt from Knicks with 106-100 Win at MSG The Philadelphia 76ers seized the lineal championship belt with a 106-100 victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Tyrese Maxey led all scorers with 28 points, while LeBron James distributed 7 assists and Joel Embiid grabbed 11 rebounds to power the 76ers past the defending belt holders.