The Philadelphia 76ers erased a 29-point deficit to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114–106 in their home opener, pulling off the largest comeback in franchise history since the 1996–97 season. The rally completely overturned a contest that saw Cleveland lead by as many as 29 points in the first half and 24 points at intermission.
Philadelphia Overturns a 29-Point Deficit Against Cleveland
According to game records, the Cavaliers entered the matchup holding a 155-0 record since 1996 when leading by 29 points or more, while Philadelphia stood at 0-156 when facing such a deficit. Cleveland controlled the early stages behind a 35–18 first-quarter advantage capped by a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Donovan Mitchell. The Cavaliers stretched their lead to 69–40 before settling into a 69–45 halftime edge as the 76ers committed 15 turnovers in the opening two periods.
The momentum shifted immediately after the break. Philadelphia opened the second half with an 11–0 run, scoring on each of their first three offensive possessions through aggressive transition play led by Tyrese Maxey. Maxey finished with a game-high 32 points, shooting 10-of-16 from the field alongside six assists. Joel Embiid added 24 points, including the go-ahead basket for a 96–95 advantage, while Jaylen Brown contributed 21 points during a decisive 15–0 surge that secured the victory.
Donovan Mitchell matched Maxey with 32 points for Cleveland, adding 10 rebounds, while Evan Mobley scored 18 points and James Harden chipped in 16. The Cavaliers faltered down the stretch, missing consecutive free throws late in the fourth quarter as Philadelphia sealed the 114–106 triumph.
LeBron James Debuts for Philadelphia Amid Social Media Backlash
LeBron James marked his first regular-season appearance for Philadelphia with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. Following the game, James addressed comments made via social media by United States President Donald Trump, who accused the forward of disrespecting the national anthem during the team’s season-opening event at Madison Square Garden by mimicking golf swings and jump shots. Responding to reporters, James dismissed the criticism by calling it a “day with little to do in the office” in reference to the White House.
Oklahoma City Fends Off Denver Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Slump
In the night’s other major matchup, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets 96–84 at the Paycom Center despite a cold shooting night. Oklahoma City shot just 38% from the field, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was held to 17 points on 6-of-19 shooting. The performance snapped Gilgeous-Alexander’s streak of 141 regular-season games scoring at least 20 points, a run dating back to October 30, 2024.
Despite Gilgeous-Alexander’s struggles and an off night from Nikola Jokic—who scored 13 points on 5-of-19 shooting—Denver failed to capitalize, committing 22 turnovers and hitting just 14-of-22 free throws. The Thunder relied on defensive intensity and a deep rotation, outscoring Denver down the stretch. Jalen Williams led Oklahoma City with 21 points, while Chet Holmgren added 12 points and grabbed 17 rebounds to anchor the paint.
Maxey and Mitchell Lead Opening Night Scoring
The opening night slate featured several notable individual stat lines across both contests:
- Tyrese Maxey: 32 points, 6 assists for Philadelphia.
- Donovan Mitchell: 32 points, 10 rebounds for Cleveland.
- Chet Holmgren: 17 rebounds and 12 points for Oklahoma City.
- Aaron Gordon: 20 points for Denver in the losing effort.
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- Trump Condemns LeBron James’ Anthem Golf Swing (bytewire.news)
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