LeBron James and the 76ers have produced a stunning 29-point comeback over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Philadelphia’s home season opener on Friday (all times AEDT).
It puts the new-look Sixers to 2-0 after defeating reigning champions New York Knicks earlier this week in a promising start to life under James, Jaylen Brown and company.
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But as much as things have changed in Philadelphia, they’ve stayed the same.
Philly superstar Tyrese Maxey’s 32 points led all five Sixers starters in double-figures including a James double-double (17 points, 10 rebounds) in the 114-106 win.
Meanwhile Brown chipped in 21 points and eight rebounds and Joel Embiid totalled 24 points with seven boards.
The Sixers survived a 32-point, 10-rebound performance from Donovan Mitchell — including 22 points in the first half alone.
Aussie Tyrese Proctor went scoreless in five minutes off the bench for the Cavaliers.
Mitchell paced the Cavs in the first half, where the visitors led by as much as 69-40 late in the second term.
Philadelphia trailed 69-45 at the main break after it missed 11 of 14 3-pointes with 14 turnovers as a packed Xfinity Mobile Arena erupted with boos.
The hosts gradually clawed their way back into the game in the second half including an 11-0 run on the third quarter to get within three points.
Embiid and Brown sparked a 15-0 run in the fourth and Nick Nurse’s side surged home with strong play on both ends of the floor. They put up 69 points in the second half with 17 assists and only two turnovers.
It came after James was accused by President Donald Trump of disrespecting the United States by not standing still during the national anthem pre-game, with the four-time champion seemingly practicing his golf swing.
“While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country!,” Trump wrote on social media.
“I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE.
“LeBron James should apologize to all of those Great American Warriors and Heroes who died for the American Flag, and all that our Country stands for!”
James considered a Cleveland reunion when he was weighing up his free agency call in the off-season, before the 41-year old landed at Philly.
Wins over the reigning champs and now the East Conference finalists makes for a strong start to the season for a Philly team with huge expectations, currently sitting first in the Eastern Conference.
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