General view as Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James after the anthem before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia 76ers are still undefeated through two games in the 2026-27 NBA season, as they somehow managed to overcome a massive deficit in Thursday's home season opener against the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.
The Sixers were down by as many as 29 points, but clawed their way back and eked out an improbable 114-106 victory over James' former team.
James is no stranger to comebacks, having seen a fair share of such in his legendary career, but the one pulled off by the 76ers was a special one for the four-time Most Valuable Player.
The victory against the Cavaliers is the biggest comeback win for James since he entered the league way back in 2003, according to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press.
Additionally, the win is the biggest comeback victory for the Sixers franchise since the play-by-play era started in the 1996-97 season. Conversely, it is now the biggest meltdown for the Cavs over the same span.
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Philadelphia used a strong third quarter to get them back into the game, outscoring the visitors, 37-21. James led the Sixers in that period with 10 points. Philadelphia kept its foot on the gas in the fourth quarter, where the 76ers pumped in 32 points and held the Cavaliers to only 16. Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey combined for 18 points in the final frame. Philly also forced seven Cavs turnovers in the fourth period.
Maxey led the way for the Sixers with 32 points when it was all said and done, while Joel Embiid provided 24 points. Browns and James added 21 and 17 points, respectively, as Philadelphia improved to 2-0.