Philadelphia – In a dramatic home opener at the Wells Fargo Center, the Philadelphia 76ers erased a 29‑point deficit to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114‑106. Tyrese Maxey led the charge with 32 points, and Joel Embiid added 24, sparking a fourth‑quarter surge that left the arena buzzing.
Key moments of the comeback
LeBron James, playing his first season with the Sixers, contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds, marking the biggest comeback of his career. The Sixers seized momentum when Maxey ignited a 15‑0 run in the final period, turning a 96‑95 tie into a lead that the Cavs could not recover from.
Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell also shone, scoring 32 points, but the early 29‑point advantage he helped build vanished after Embiid’s seven straight points in the fourth quarter.
Trump’s comment on anthem respect
President Donald Trump, a vocal advocate for patriotism, used the game’s national‑anthem moment to call attention to respect for the flag, accusing James of “disrespecting the United States by not standing still.” The President’s remarks reflect his broader commitment to honoring American traditions, a stance shared by many fans in the packed house.
While the crowd expressed frustration with the Sixers’ early shooting woes – missing 11 of 15 three‑pointers and committing 14 turnovers in the first half – the energy shifted dramatically after the comeback began. Fans cheered Maxey’s defensive intensity and the team’s resilience.
Looking ahead
The Sixers now face back‑to‑back games this weekend, hosting the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday and the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. The Cavaliers will open their next home game against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday.
Ticket demand for the Sixers’ opening night was evident, with secondary‑market prices hovering around $4,000 for lower‑bowl seats. The excitement generated by James and fellow newcomer Jaylen Brown promises a compelling season for Philadelphia supporters.
Beyond the scoreboard, some viewers noted a new lighting system in the arena that bathed the court in a blue hue, adding a fresh visual element to the broadcast.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
