NBA October 22: 76ers beat Cavaliers 114–106 after trailing by 29

Philadelphia’s record comeback

Philadelphia’s recovery was its largest in the play-by-play era—the period covered by detailed records of individual plays—which began in 1996–97. It was also the largest comeback victory of LeBron James’s 24-season NBA career. Cleveland had never lost a larger lead in that era.

Tyrese Maxey led all scorers with 32 points and added six assists. Philadelphia committed 15 first-half turnovers, its most in a half since January 2024, and trailed 69–45 at halftime as the crowd booed. Maxey said he challenged his teammates at the break to respond. Philadelphia opened the second half with eight unanswered points and won the third quarter 37–21, cutting the gap to eight.

Joel Embiid’s 16-foot jump shot with 6:54 remaining put Philadelphia ahead for good. James contributed 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in his Philadelphia home debut. The 76ers outscored Cleveland 69–37 after halftime to secure their second win of the season.

Analysis

Philadelphia limits lost possessions

Philadelphia committed only two turnovers—possessions lost before a shot—after halftime, while Cleveland committed 15. Coach Nick Nurse also changed defensive assignments after struggling against Cleveland’s middle pick-and-roll plays. In a pick-and-roll, one player screens the ball-handler’s defender and then moves toward the basket. ESPN reported that the adjustment worked, citing GeniusIQ figures showing Cleveland scored less from its direct picks after halftime.

Cleveland guard Donovan Mitchell scored 30 points through three quarters but added only two in the fourth, when the game was already out of reach. James welcomed Philadelphia’s refusal to give up but cautioned against relying on such recoveries, saying the team should avoid putting itself in similar situations.