76ers complete 29-point comeback as James enjoys home debut

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 09:57 · Archive

The Philadelphia 76ers overturned a 29-point deficit to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-106 in LeBron James's first home game for the franchise on Thursday. Philadelphia trailed 69-45 at half-time before an extraordinary second-half performance saw them outscore Cleveland 69-37. They took the lead for the first time with under seven minutes remaining, eventually holding firm despite the Cavaliers pulling back to 106-102.

The comeback was the largest in the 76ers' play-by-play era, which began in 1996-97, and also the largest of James's 24-season NBA career. Tyrese Maxey top-scored for the 76ers with 32 points, whilst Joel Embiid added 24. James, who joined the franchise on a two-year contract, scored 17 points with 10 rebounds and five assists. Fellow home debutant Jaylen Brown contributed 21 points, scoring 17 of them in the second half including 10 in the fourth quarter.

James described the evening as 'everything that I dreamed of and more'. The victory came hours after US President Donald Trump criticised the 41-year-old for not standing still during the national anthem at Tuesday's game against the New York Knicks.

76ers complete 29-point comeback as James enjoys home debut — Image: BBC Sport

Comments (0)

How it is being reported

LeBron shrugs off Trump blast in home debut win for Philadelphia 76ersLeBron James enjoys 114-106 NBA win over Cleveland Cavaliers, hours after criticism from US President Donald Trump.Al Jazeera · 23 Oct, 09:42
James enjoys dream home debut in 76ers comeback winLeBron James says his home debut was "everything that I dreamed of and more" after the Philadelphia 76ers turned boos into cheers by overhauling a 29-point deficit to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-106.BBC Sport · 23 Oct, 07:50

In this story: LeBron James · Philadelphia 76ers · Cleveland Cavaliers · Tyrese Maxey · Joel Embiid · Jaylen Brown

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem