Sixers’ comeback over Cleveland changes the early tone in Philly
The Sixers are 2-0 after erasing a 29-point deficit to beat the Cavaliers 114-106 on Thursday night. Tyrese Maxey led the way with 32 points and six assists, while Joel Embiid added 24 points, and the comeback gives this group a real early test of identity before Milwaukee arrives Saturday.
A win that matters beyond the record
Philadelphia’s first home game did not start cleanly, but it ended with a comeback that will stick. The Sixers trailed by as many as 29 before turning the game around, and the result moves them to 2-0 with the Bucks next on deck.
The numbers tell the story of a messy first half and a steadier finish. Philly shot 46 percent from the field, lost the rebounding battle 44-46, and cut down the turnover gap enough to survive a game that could have gotten away from them.
Maxey drove the rally
Tyrese Maxey was the clearest engine of the night. ESPN credits him with 32 points and six assists, and multiple reports described him as the one who helped steady the building after the early hole.
Joel Embiid’s 24 points mattered too, and the broader point is that this group is not leaning on one scorer. Philly also got 21 from Jaylen Brown, while the team’s top-end talent covered for a first half that looked out of sync.
Sources: Rg, Manisteenews, ESPN, Cbsnews, Liberty Ballers
What to watch against Milwaukee
The early takeaways are useful, but Saturday is the next real checkpoint. The Sixers have already shown they can beat good teams and now they have shown they can recover from a bad start, which matters for a roster still trying to settle in.
Per the game reports, the home crowd responded once the comeback started. The question now is whether Philadelphia can carry that fight into a cleaner 48 minutes against Milwaukee, instead of needing a rescue act again.
Sources: Manisteenews, The Athletic, Liberty Ballers
Further reading
- 76ers Erase 29-Point Deficit to Beat Cavaliers 114-106 (Rg)
- Maxey leads charge as Sixers rally from 29 down to stun Cavs - ESPN (ESPN)
- 76ers flash fight, star power, as Maxey, James, Embiid power back from 29-point hole to top Cavs (Manisteenews)
- Sixers erase 29-point deficit to complete historic comeback against Cavaliers in home opener - CBS Philadelphia (Cbsnews)
- Sixers storm back after lifeless first half to win in LeBron’s home debut (Liberty Ballers)
- Philly fans booed during LeBron James’ home debut. Then the 76ers made some noise (The Athletic)
- LeBron James, Jaylen Brown set to make home debuts as Sixers host Cleveland Cavaliers (Liberty Ballers)
Philly Sport Daily writes this brief each morning with the help of AI, working only from the reporting linked above. Spot an error? Let us know @sport_philly.