76ers Rally From 29-Point Deficit to Beat Cavaliers in Home Opener
Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid led a stunning second-half comeback as Philadelphia defeated Cleveland 114-106.
The Philadelphia 76ers erased a 29-point deficit to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-106 during their home opener on Thursday night. Tyrese Maxey erupted for 32 points and Joel Embiid added 24 to fuel the historic rally, which delighted a home crowd that had grown frustrated during a dismal first half.
LeBron James, making his home debut for Philadelphia after signing a two-year, veteran-minimum contract, contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds. Fellow newcomer Jaylen Brown chipped in 21 points as the Sixers extended their winning start to the season following an opening victory against the defending champion New York Knicks.
The evening featured notable events both on and off the court for James. Earlier on Thursday, President Donald Trump criticized the 41-year-old superstar for not standing still during the national anthem. Despite the pre-game scrutiny, James experienced a warm welcome from the Philadelphia organization, which displayed a birthday tribute on the Jumbotron for his daughter, Zhuri, who was celebrating her 12th birthday courtside alongside her mother, Savannah, and grandmother, Gloria James.
“My daughter was here. She turned 12 today. They put her name and told her happy birthday on the Jumbotron. They sat courtside. That was super cool, man,” James told reporters after the game. Expressing his appreciation for his new surroundings, James added, “So super special for me to be able to have moments like this in this building, in this city, probably one of the best sports cities in the world... So I’m happy to be here. I’m extremely happy.”
Philadelphia struggled significantly in the opening two quarters, missing 11 of 15 three-point attempts and committing 14 turnovers. Cleveland capitalized as Donovan Mitchell scored 22 of his 32 points before halftime, helping the Cavaliers build a commanding 62-35 advantage that prompted boos from the home supporters.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the final period when Maxey sparked a decisive 15-0 run with relentless defensive pressure. The fourth quarter also featured a tense moment when Maxey and former Sixers teammate James Harden went nose-to-nose before being separated.
Embiid later scored seven consecutive points to give Philadelphia its first lead of the second half at 96-95. The defense locked in down the stretch, allowing the Sixers to complete the largest comeback of James's career and secure a memorable victory for the home fans.