The Philadelphia 76ers delivered a comeback for the ages Thursday night, rallying from a 29-point deficit to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 114–106, in their regular-season home opener.
Led by Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and LeBron James, Philadelphia transformed a disastrous first half into a statement victory, outscoring Cleveland 69–37 after halftime to complete the comeback. The win moved the Sixers to 2–0 to start the 2026–27 NBA season.
Cavaliers Dominate Early Before Philadelphia Responds
Cleveland looked firmly in control during the first half, building its lead behind Donovan Mitchell and a productive frontcourt featuring Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
The Cavaliers scored 35 points in the opening quarter and added another 34 in the second, taking a commanding 69–45 lead into halftime. At one point, Cleveland led by 29 points, leaving Philadelphia with a significant hole to climb out of in front of its home crowd.
The Sixers answered with a completely different level of urgency after the break.
Philadelphia exploded for 37 points in the third quarter, cutting into Cleveland’s advantage before carrying that momentum into the fourth. The defensive pressure increased, the offense found its rhythm, and the Cavaliers struggled to maintain the control they had established early.
Maxey, Embiid and Brown Lead the Charge
Maxey spearheaded Philadelphia’s comeback with a game-high 32 points and six assists, consistently putting pressure on Cleveland’s defense.
Embiid added 24 points and seven rebounds, including a crucial fourth-quarter stretch in which he scored seven consecutive points to help Philadelphia take its first lead of the night, 96–95.
Brown finished with 21 points, eight rebounds and four assists, delivering important baskets as the Sixers seized control. His scoring helped Philadelphia turn its first lead into a more comfortable advantage down the stretch.
James contributed 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in his first home game with Philadelphia. The veteran’s performance added another memorable chapter to a career already filled with historic comebacks.
Philadelphia’s decisive fourth-quarter surge included a 15–0 run that put the Cavaliers on their heels and helped the Sixers complete the turnaround.
Donovan Mitchell’s Big Night Not Enough
Mitchell led Cleveland with 32 points and 10 rebounds, but the Cavaliers could not sustain their first-half dominance.
Mobley finished with 18 points, while Allen contributed 14. Former Sixers guard James Harden recorded 16 points and five assists against his former team.
Cleveland’s offense cooled considerably after halftime, scoring just 37 points across the final two quarters. Philadelphia, meanwhile, found the answers it needed on both ends of the floor.
A Statement Win for the 76ers
Overcoming a 29-point deficit is impressive under any circumstances, but doing it in the home opener makes Philadelphia’s victory even more memorable.
The Sixers have now opened the season with wins over the New York Knicks and Cavaliers, two teams expected to compete in the Eastern Conference. The comeback also showcased the potential of a Philadelphia group featuring Maxey, Embiid, Brown and James.
For Cleveland, the loss is a reminder that a strong first half means little without the ability to close out a game. The Cavaliers will look to regroup when they host the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, while Philadelphia continues its homestand against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Final Score: Philadelphia 76ers 114, Cleveland Cavaliers 106
Philadelphia Leaders
- Tyrese Maxey: 32 points, 6 assists
- Joel Embiid: 24 points, 7 rebounds
- Jaylen Brown: 21 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists
- LeBron James: 17 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists
Cleveland Leaders
- Donovan Mitchell: 32 points, 10 rebounds
- Evan Mobley: 18 points
- James Harden: 16 points
- Jarrett Allen: 14 points
The Sixers didn’t just protect their home court. They turned a 29-point nightmare into an unforgettable comeback victory.
