LeBron James' Usage as Center Explained by Joel Embiid After 76ers' Win in NBA Opener vs. Knicks

With a lack of size behind Joel Embiid on the Philadelphia 76ers' depth chart, head coach Nick Nurse gave LeBron James some run at center during Tuesday's 106-100 season-opening victory over the New York Knicks.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Embiid explained he was the one who suggested James play at the five spot due in part to how the officials were calling the game:

"I suggested that to the guys, the coaching staff, because I just felt like the way they were calling fouls, I just felt like — and I was just being honest — I wasn't going to be as aggressive as I should be on defense, having three fouls, wanting to stay on the floor. I just told them I thought we should do that."

76ers-Knicks Highlights

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Embiid received his third foul late in the second quarter with the 76ers trailing 50-46. Nurse subbed him out to bring in Anfernee Simons in a small-ball lineup in an attempt to spur some offensive production, but putting them at risk on defense with James primarily matched up against Karl-Anthony Towns.

Nurse also addressed the move by noting it helped guard against the Knicks' pick-and-roll usage.

"[We discussed putting] a 4-man on KAT, because there's so many pick-and-rolls with him and [Jalen] Brunson that gives you some versatility to play some other coverages," Nurse said. "I think it was good. ... Over the long haul, it was very good for us, I think."

The 76ers were able to stay close during that stretch with the Knicks holding a 58-54 advantage going into halftime. Philadelphia came out on fire in the second half by outscoring New York 29-18 in the third quarter, with James, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown putting up 20 of those 29 points.

James finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in his first game with the 76ers.

Neither team shot the ball particularly well, but the Sixers made enough plays on both ends to steal a win from the defending champs on ring night at Madison Square Garden.

Next up for the 76ers is a matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday in the home opener at Xfinity Mobile Arena.