LeBron James is happy to be a Sixer — and they’re sure happy to have him

LeBron James is 41 years old. He’s in his 24th NBA season. He’s also a Philadelphia 76er.

These are facts that feel worth being reminded about on occasion.

James was spectacular Friday night, guiding the Sixers to a 98-95 win over the defending champion New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

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“I thought he was really good all the way through tonight,” head coach Nick Nurse said of James. “I thought that he got some downhill stuff, used his size and knocked ’em around a little bit for some layups. I thought he obviously kind of pushed and organized. I thought he was a little quicker to make some decisions to shoot the three ball as well, and then obviously make a couple big plays down the stretch.

“That’s really the best game, just kind of all around. I mean, he’s been good, but that was his best game for sure.”

It was James’ finest performance of the young season. He scored 20 points — his first 20-plus-point game as a Sixer — and recorded nine rebounds and eight assists. He also chipped in a steal and a block as the team’s defense continues to be its strong suit.

With Jaylen Brown out because of left knee tendinopathy, the Sixers were going to need more offense from somewhere. While James had often been deferential over the course of his first four games of the season, he was aggressive in looking for his own shot Friday. He continually got downhill, playing bully ball on several possessions against the Knicks’ wing defenders.

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His knack for figuring out what his team needs and providing it is uncanny.

“I’m just trying to get more and more comfortable with what we’re running offensively,” James said, “and I think every game and every week that I’m here, my body will continue to ramp up and ramp up, getting better and better, so that played a part.”

Since we’ve seen it for 24 years, LeBron’s greatness is sort of taken for granted at times, but there are plays and moments that remind you why he’s arguably the greatest player of all time.

His physical prowess is still impressive, with his ability to big-boy guys like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. His passing vision remains elite, like on the…

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Publish date : 2026-10-31 10:00:00

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