Tyrese Maxey scored 32 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers through a massive 29-point deficit on Thursday night. The comeback victory, a 114-106 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, marked a dominant home opener for Philadelphia following their recent win against the New York Knicks.

How did the comeback happen?

The 76ers struggled early, falling behind 69-45 by halftime after committing 14 turnovers in the first two quarters. However, Philadelphia shifted the momentum in the second half, outscoring the Cavaliers 69-37 after the intermission.

Read also Maxey's late heroics lead 76ers to comeback win over Pacers

Key moments included:

  • Joel Embiid scored 24 points, including a 15-footer that gave Philadelphia its first lead of the night.
  • Jaylen Brown contributed 21 points, with 10 of those coming in the final period.
  • Maxey ignited a 15-0 run in the fourth quarter to secure the lead.

High stakes and new faces

The game served as the Philadelphia home debut for several high-profile players. LeBron James, who signed a two-year veteran minimum contract, recorded 17 points and 10 rebounds in what was described as the largest comeback of his career. Newcomer Jaylen Brown also provided a significant scoring boost during the decisive fourth quarter.

Despite the loss, Cleveland was led by Donovan Mitchell, who finished with 32 points and 10 rebounds. The game also featured tension when Maxey and former teammate James Harden had to be separated after a close encounter during the fourth quarter.

What to watch for next

Philadelphia has opened the season with two wins, having already beaten the reigning NBA champions and now a Cleveland team that reached last season's Eastern Conference finals. The roster's chemistry remains a focal point, especially as the team integrates veterans like James and Brown into the rotation. For Cleveland, the loss in their season opener highlights the need to protect big leads, as they controlled much of the first half before the momentum shifted.

FAQ

What is the 76ers' current record?

The team has started the season with two consecutive wins, having previously defeated the New York Knicks.

Who was the top scorer for Cleveland?

Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 32 points in their season opener.