LeBron James-led 76ers open season with two wins, including 29-point comeback
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The gist
The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Knicks 106-100, then erased a 29-point deficit to beat Cleveland 114-106.
James, 41, chases a title in his record 24th season on a minimum deal.
Background
LeBron James, a 41-year-old forward, joined the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year veteran-minimum deal this offseason, and the team also acquired guard Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics in a trade for Paul George. James had flirted in free agency with a third stint in Cleveland before choosing Philadelphia. The 76ers are coming off a second-round playoff sweep by the Knicks last May, which makes the fast start — and the comeback over the Cavaliers — the early story of their season.
How it unfolded
- Oct 20, 2026In New York, the 76ers beat the Knicks 106-100 in the season opener. Tyrese Maxey scored 28, Jaylen Brown had 19 in his first game since the trade from Boston, and James began his record 24th season with 14 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
- Oct 22, 2026In their home opener at Xfinity Mobile Arena, the 76ers trailed by 29 in the first half but beat the Cavaliers 114-106 — the biggest comeback win of James's career. Maxey scored 32, Joel Embiid 24, and James had 17 points and 10 rebounds; Donovan Mitchell scored 32 for Cleveland.
- Oct 24, 2026Highlights of the 76ers' game against the Milwaukee Bucks were posted.