LeBron James is still closing games like it’s 2016. The 41-year-old superstar delivered his best performance yet in a Philadelphia 76ers uniform on Friday night, dropping 20 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists to sink the defending champion New York Knicks 98-93 in the NBA Cup opener at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
The win moved the Sixers to 5-1 and gave them their second victory over the Knicks this season after spoiling New York’s banner-raising night on opening night. Head coach Nick Nurse left no doubt about how he felt: “He’s been good, but that was his best game for sure.”
LeBron James (Credits: Philadelphia 76ers / AP)
LeBron James’ Best 76ers Game: Late Daggers Against the Knicks
After Jalen Brunson’s step-back three erased an 11-point fourth-quarter lead and sent the Knicks-heavy crowd into a frenzy, James answered immediately. He backed down OG Anunoby, hit a fadeaway jumper to reclaim the lead, and then secured the win with a putback layup with 11.9 seconds left.
James started aggressive with 12 first-half points even with Jaylen Brown sidelined by a left patellar injury, went quiet in the third quarter, then took over the fourth. He also added a vintage chase-down block on Anunoby and was one assist shy of a triple-double.
LeBron James Ties Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Milestone in 24th NBA Season
The performance also rewrote history books. At 41 years and 304 days old, James tied Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the fifth-oldest player in NBA history to record a 20-point game. He now has 68 career 20-point games since turning 40 — more than every other 40-plus player in league history combined.
Tyrese Maxey, who led the Sixers with 27 points, called James a “calming presence” in clutch moments. All five of Philadelphia’s wins this season have come in clutch time. The Sixers visit the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday.
Also Read: LeBron James’ 76ers Home Debut: Philadelphia Erase 29-Point Deficit to Stun Cavaliers 114-106
Also Read: Jaylen Brown Claims No Beef With Jayson Tatum, But Says He Should ‘Stay Ready at All Times’
Source: ESPN — read the full story there.
