LeBron saves Sixers’ day

MANILA, Philippines — LeBron James converted a key putback and finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists as the Philadelphia 76ers edged the visiting New York Knicks 98-93 on Friday.

On a night when all NBA games were the teams’ openers in NBA Cup play, Philadelphia was without Jaylen Brown (knee), giving Anfernee Simons an opportunity to shine in an expanded role. Simons scored 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 27 points, while VJ Edgecombe hit a clutch 3-pointer and finished with 13 points. The Sixers have won five of their first six games.

New York, meanwhile, has lost four of its first six, including two defeats against Philadelphia. Jalen Brunson scored 24 points on 8-of-22 shooting, while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 22 points and 12 rebounds for the Knicks.