LeBron James called it “everything that I dreamed of and more.” The Philadelphia 76ers turned jeers into a roar at home on Thursday night, clawing back from a 29-point deficit to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-106 in James’ dream home debut.
LeBron James in his 76ers home debut (Credits: BBC Sport)
It is the largest comeback win of LeBron James’ 24-season NBA career and the largest comeback by the 76ers in the play-by-play era, which began in 1996-97. Booed off the court trailing 69-45 at half-time, Philadelphia took the lead for the first time with just under seven minutes left, ripping off 15 unanswered points to go up 104-95 and holding firm to outscore Cleveland 69-37 in the second half.
LeBron James 76ers Comeback: Who Stole the Show
James stuffed the box score with 17 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals, but the night belonged to the supporting cast. Fellow home debutant Jaylen Brown poured in 17 of his 21 points after the break, including 10 in the fourth quarter. Tyrese Maxey top-scored for the Sixers with 32 points, and Joel Embiid added 24.
“We got the boos. That was amazing and we deserved it. And then we got the cheers and almost blew the roof off this thing, in a good way. It was a hell of a night,” said James, who joined the 76ers on a two-year contract this offseason.
James Brushes Off Trump Criticism After Knicks Win
The comeback caps a dream opening week for James at his fourth franchise, after the Sixers spoiled the defending champion Knicks’ homecoming with a 106-100 win at Madison Square Garden on opening night. Off the court, James had to swat aside criticism from US President Donald Trump, who called the 41-year-old a “total disgrace” for not standing still during the national anthem before the Knicks game. “It must be a slow news day at the office,” James replied, while coach Nick Nurse said the team is used to tuning out “outside noise.”
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Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.