Sixers storm back after lifeless first half to win in LeBron’s home debut

This team might just have some juice.

The Sixers erased a 29-point deficit to win their home opener 114-106 over the Cleveland Cavaliers Thursday night.

Tyrese Maxey put together the most complete game, leading the Sixers with 32 points with six assists. Joel Embiid quietly came alive, putting up 24 points and seven rebounds.

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LeBron James had a very similar game to his Sixers debut, finishing with 17 points on 13 shots along with 10 rebounds and five assists. Jaylen Brown didn’t find his footing until the fourth quarter, but hit some big late baskets to finish with 21 points and eight rebounds. Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 32.

Dean Wade, out again with an ankle injury, is still yet to make his Sixers debut despite coming into the night questionable.

Here are some thoughts at the buzzer.

First Quarter

Lost in all the excitement for the night was the fact that this was Embiid’s first time playing against James Harden since they were teammates over three years ago now. Whether the crowd was totally aware of that or not, Harden got a healthy amount of boos during player introductions as well as when the ball was in his hands.

LeBron got the crowd amped early, knocking down a three on his first shot of the night before hitting a cutting Edgecombe with a slick bounce pass. After a couple of baskets inside from Jarrett Allen, Embiid backed him down in the post for his first points of the game. There were still some choppy moments offensively with five turnovers in as many minutes. That included fumbling away a fast break opportunity and a five-second call trying to inbound the ball.

Anfernee Simons and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope were once again the first subs of the night for Maxey and Brown. Simons had his first jumper attempt of the night swatted by Peyton Watson. It was a short stagger as Maxey and Brown checked back in a minute later while LeBron, Embiid and Edgecombe went to the bench.

The Sixers’ offense stagnated, going scoreless for nearly three minutes and the Cavs were able to get out to a double-digit lead. Brown went to the basket to try to end it but his contested layup was no good, but Adem…

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Publish date : 2026-10-23 01:54:00

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