Sixers erase 29-point deficit to win LeBron’s home debut against Cavaliers

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Philadelphia 76ers overturned a 29-point deficit to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114–106 in their home opener on Thursday, 22 October, delivering a dramatic first appearance in front of their own supporters for LeBron James.

James, 41, contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds in the biggest comeback victory of his NBA career. Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 32 points, Joel Embiid added 24 and fellow new arrival Jaylen Brown finished with 21.

The recovery gathered pace after half-time. Philadelphia began the third quarter with an 11–0 burst and forced Cleveland into eight turnovers during the period, turning defensive pressure into opportunities to attack quickly. The visitors nevertheless retained a 90–82 advantage entering the fourth.

Embiid then scored seven consecutive points to put the Sixers ahead for the first time, at 96–95. Brown followed with six straight points to extend the lead to 102–95, before late lay-ups from Maxey and Brown helped complete the turnaround. Brown scored 10 points in the final period.

The opening half had looked very different. Philadelphia committed nine turnovers in the first quarter and struggled to cope with Cleveland’s frontcourt, where Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen combined for 29 points before the break.

Across the second half, Philadelphia outscored Cleveland 69–37, winning the third quarter 37–21 and the fourth 32–16.

The win left Philadelphia unbeaten after two games, following Tuesday’s victory over the defending champion New York Knicks. The Sixers next host Milwaukee on Saturday and Detroit on Sunday, while Cleveland face Brooklyn in their home opener on Saturday.