Sixers Erase 29-Point Deficit in LeBron’s Philadelphia Home Debut

A game that was slipping away by 29 points turned into a comeback. The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-106 in their home opener on Thursday night.

The first half was a mess. The Sixers committed 15 turnovers before halftime and went into the locker room trailing 69-45. The deficit grew as large as 29 points at one stage. Boos rained down from the stands, and even the halftime performer was booed.

The second half was the opposite. The Sixers scored 69 points after the break and allowed only 37. It was the largest comeback in franchise history since play-by-play records began in the 1996-97 season, and the largest comeback win of LeBron James’s career.

Tyrese Maxey led the offense with 32 points and six assists. Joel Embiid scored 24 points, and Jaylen Brown, acquired from Boston and playing his home debut, added 21 points, 17 of them in the second half.

James, who joined Philadelphia this season, finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals. For the 41-year-old, Thursday night was full of firsts as well.

James said after the game that the night was beyond what he had imagined. He said getting booed was great, and that he deserved it. When the cheers erupted, he said, it felt like the roof would come off.

Before the game, James was also asked about President Donald Trump criticizing his actions related to the national anthem. His answer was short. It must have been a slow news day at the office, he said.

The Sixers have opened the season with two straight wins. They host the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.