By erasing a 29-point deficit, this is the largest comeback in LeBron James’ career. Previously, his biggest comebacks were two 27-pointers, one with Miami (also over Cleveland, in 2013), and another with the Lakers over Dallas, in 2023.

Well, LeBron James didn’t come back to Cleveland, but he did sparked a comeback on the Cavs in this game. The home opener for Philly went from a sour night to a glorious chapter.

LeBron James’ stats in the 76ers comeback vs Cavs

James just shot 5-14 from the field, but he still was key. He ended up with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. James also had three steals and a +7 in plus/minus. An overall very good performance that helped the 76ers.

This also marks the first double-double of LeBron James in a 76ers jersey. All in all, the 76ers are now 2-0 and with high momentum after beating the reigning champs on opening night and igniting the crowd in their home opener with a 29-point comeback.

Cavs vs 76ers box score

Cleveland Cavaliers:

Philadelphia 76ers:

Key takeaways

• The 76ers erased a 29-point deficit against Cleveland, the largest comeback of LeBron James’ career.
• LeBron James recorded his first double-double in a 76ers jersey with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
• The 76ers are now 2-0 after completing the home opener comeback against the Cavaliers.

LeBron James did not return to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2026–27 NBA season because he instead signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, driven by roster moves and personal priorities rather than a desire for a homecoming.

James, at year 24 of his career, is still seeking for a new way of motivation and a ring with the 76ers was enough motivation to sway his decision. Hence, the 76ers, where LeBron James is playing against the Cleveland Cavaliers, got the upper hand.

The 76ers roster fit James better than the Cavs

The Cavs don’t have a bad roster by any stretch of the imagination. They are, by all means, a playoff team and could get hot at the right time. However, the 76ers‘ star-studded roster was more enticing for James as he fits better.

On the 76ers, James has more role flexibility. He acts as a primary connector, short-roll playmaker, and high-IQ veteran alongside dynamic scorers. He doesn’t need to have the full responsibility.

The 76ers presented an option James didn’t have in Cleveland

If James wins a ring with the 76ers, he will be the first player to win an NBA championship with four different franchises. Given how he already won a chip with the Cavs, he wouldn’t have the chance to get that milestone.

Key takeaways

• LeBron James chose to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers instead of returning to Cleveland.
• Entering his 24th NBA season, LeBron James sought new motivation to win a championship.
• A 76ers championship would make LeBron the first player to win with four franchises.

For all wondering, and that’s everyone, LeBron James is active and expected to play a full workload for the 76ers against the Cavaliers. James wasn’t featured on the injury report, so he’s a full go. Many wonder why LeBron James didn’t sign for the Cavaliers, instead opting for the 76ers, but now, the star must face that very decision head on.

James played in the 76ers season opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden and logged a a 34-minute performance as the Sixers spoiled banner night for the Knicks.

How did LeBron James do in his 76ers debut?

In 34 minutes, James scored 5-13 from the field for 14 points (including 4-6 free throws), nine rebounds and seven assists. However, there’s more to the story. James had a verbal altercation with some MSG fans, and also, his +/- was a negative -2.

Hence, James wasn’t stellar by any means, but he proved he still can be a multi-faceted asset for this team. However, his efficiency should rise as the games go by. Tonight against the Cavaliers, he should have a better outing, given that fans will be rooting for him.

The Cavs are not an easy opponent

The Cleveland Cavaliers might have not landed LeBron James during the last free agency period, but they didn’t need him exactly. He would’ve been a cherry on top of an already great roster.

With players like James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley, this team is ready to compete. Role players like Jarrett Allen and Peyton Watson make this roster a very talented one. For the Sixers to win, James and company must be at their A-game.

Key takeaways

• LeBron James is active for the Philadelphia 76ers’ home opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
• LeBron James recorded 14 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in his 76ers debut.
• The Cleveland Cavaliers feature James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley on their roster.

Speaking on The Draymond Green Show, Green broke down why he believes Doncic faces an uphill battle in the MVP race due to voter fatigue and high expectations. “Luka can go average 34 points and people gonna say ‘yeah we know, he’s supposed to do that,’” Green noted.

In his season opener with the Lakers, Doncic posted 28 points—going a perfect 9-for-9 from the free-throw line—alongside eight rebounds and seven assists. It was a reassuring stat line that underscored his steady climb back to peak form while anchoring Los Angeles’ broader championship ambitions.

While established stars like Kawhi Leonard have navigated high-profile franchise shifts in the past, Doncic appears comfortably settled as the focal point of a new era in Los Angeles, one charting its course following LeBron James’ offseason move to Philadelphia.

Green addresses Lendeborg’s clash with Doncic

Rather than criticizing Lendeborg for taking shots at the veteran superstar, Green views the rookie’s aggressive welcome to the league as a crucial step in his NBA development with the Warriors.

“Everyone will say the rookie learned his lesson. What he learn? The next time he see him, go at his ass again,” Green said following Golden State’s hard-fought loss to a rejuvenated Lakers squad.

“So do it again and again and again, cause I ain’t gonna f* shut up. So nice, I like it, and I hope he keeps talking that s*,” Green added, praising Lendeborg’s fearless mentality against Doncic.

Key takeaways

• Draymond Green stated Luka Doncic faces an uphill battle in the MVP race.
• Doncic posted 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in the season opener.
• Green praised Yaxel Lendeborg’s fearless mentality against Doncic despite the loss.

“You can’t rush greatness,” Leonard told reporters regarding his path back to full strength following an injury-plagued final stretch with the Los Angeles Clippers last season. Despite any lingering rust, his production was immediate: Leonard dropped a team-high 23 points to go along with six rebounds and two assists in his debut.

The Raptors looked poised to handle mid-tier contenders like the Bulls, who never found their footing on the floor at Scotiabank Arena. With multiple struggles in the defense, Chicago showed a hard performance to watch by the supporters.

While standard season-opening drama unspooled elsewhere—like Anthony Edwards’ heated exchange with the Miami bench—Toronto’s focus remained squarely on the floor, betting big that a healthy Leonard can anchor another deep run.

What the Raptors had that the Bulls missed in season opener

The Raptors imposed suffocating perimeter pressure, racking up 14 steals and six blocks while forcing 27 Bulls turnovers that directly yielded 35 points on the break. Chicago’s ball-handlers were completely overwhelmed by Toronto’s long-limbed defense, leading to a lopsided 34–13 fast-break scoring margin.

Offensively, the Raptors displayed elite floor spacing and balanced execution, led by 23-point performances from Kawhi Leonard, Scottie Barnes, and Immanuel Quickley. In stark contrast, Chicago suffered a complete breakdown in perimeter shooting, finishing an abysmal 4-for-36 (11.1%) from three-point range. Lacking rhythm in their half-court sets, the Bulls repeatedly settled for contested jumpers and forced drives into a crowded paint.

Toronto’s superior depth and defensive versatility allowed them to establish control early, exploding for 43 points in the first quarter and building a lead as large as 29 points before halftime.

Key takeaways

• Kawhi Leonard scored 23 points as Toronto defeated Chicago 135–92 in their season opener.
• Leonard told reporters “you can’t rush greatness” regarding his recovery back to full strength.
• Toronto forced 27 turnovers while Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley each added 23 points.

“A player on [the Heat] bench was talking trash… And then when I started talking to him, he didn’t really have too much more to say… If you gonna talk s***, keep talkin s***. Don’t get quiet,” Edwards told reporters after the game.

Extracurriculars aside, the primary goal for the Wolves was starting the 2026-27 NBA season on the right foot. Following a preseason centered around integrating key offseason additions alongside Edwards, newcomers like LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga proved they are already locked in and ready for the grueling campaign ahead.

Much like Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic dealing with on-court chatter from Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, Edwards finding himself in the crosshairs of the Heat bench proves there is never a shortage of players trying to rattle top-tier stars.

Edwards leads a Minnesota offensive clinic that exposed Heat weaknesses

Minnesota poured in 21 three-pointers on 42% shooting, fueled by Anthony Edwards’ 45-point explosion and nine triples. Miami’s point-of-attack defenders were repeatedly blown past or screened out, forcing scramble-heavy backcourt rotations that gave Minnesota’s guards uncontested looks throughout the entire second half.

Interior rebounding and paint protection also emerged as glaring vulnerabilities for Miami. The Timberwolves utterly dominated the glass 52–34, snatching 17 offensive rebounds that led to relentless second-chance opportunities. With Bam Adebayo frequently pulled away from the basket to hedge high pick-and-rolls, Rudy Gobert and the Minnesota frontcourt ruthlessly punished Miami’s lack of secondary length in the post.

To make matters worse, the loss exposed a troubling lack of floor spacing and transition defense beyond Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 35-point Miami debut. The Heat sputtered from deep, hitting just 8-of-33 (24.2%) from three-point range, which allowed Minnesota to pack the paint and completely wall off driving lanes.

Key takeaways

• Anthony Edwards called out a Miami Heat bench player for talking trash.
• Minnesota hit 21 three-pointers while Anthony Edwards exploded for 45 points.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 35 points in his Miami Heat debut.

“I had a lot of respect for him (Luka). You know, just watching. I didn’t really watch the NBA much, I just watched highlights. Seeing him, you know, kill people all the time. But then being in there firsthand, just watching all the whining and complaining, I lost all respect, man. Like that was awful,“ Lendeborg told reporters during his postgame press conference.

Doncic served as the focal point for a Lakers squad ushering in a new era following LeBron James’ departure. Pacing Los Angeles with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, Doncic made it clear he is more than capable of carrying the mantle as the franchise’s centerpiece.

While Lendeborg pulled no punches regarding Doncic’s on-court demeanor, the Warriors struggled as a collective unit throughout the night, raising early concerns among Dub Nation about another underwhelming campaign.

Lakers surge past Warriors in second half after tight opening stint

The game remained tightly contested early, with Stephen Curry scoring 16 of his team-high 23 points in the first half. However, Los Angeles took complete control after the break, exploiting the interior and blowing the game open with a decisive 36–16 run in the third quarter.

Doncic spearheaded the Lakers‘ perimeter attack, dropping 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists while sinking five three-pointers. Inside, center Walker Kessler provided a flawless performance, going 12-for-12 from the floor for 26 points and nine boards. Guard Austin Reaves chipped in 23 points and six assists, aggressively probing the paint to draw 10 free throw attempts.

Golden State had no answers for the Lakers’ inside-out attack, surrendering 66 points in the paint while stumbling to a dismal 22.2% (8-for-36) night from three-point range. Beyond Curry’s 23 points, the Warriors’ offense lacked punch, with Draymond Green held to just two points on 1-for-4 shooting.

Key takeaways

• Yaxel Lendeborg stated he lost respect for Luka Doncic due to his whining.
• Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
• Golden State surrendered 66 interior points while shooting 22.2% from three-point range.

Westbrook spent 18 seasons establishing himself as one of the best players at his position on the court. From now on, he’ll be watching the game from the sidelines, away from the action.

A generation of elite talent is slowly beginning to say goodbye to the league, whether due to injuries or the toll of so many years of competition. Russell Westbrook leaves behind a significant legacy, one the Kings won’t get to benefit from this season.

Westbrook leaves his mark on the NBA

Before walking away from the game, Russell Westbrook completely redefined what guard play looks like by shattering records that people thought were untouchable. “Brodie” retired as the NBA’s undisputed, all-time king of triple-doubles with nearly 200 to his name, leaving legends like Oscar Robertson in his rearview mirror.

Not only did he pick up the 2017 MVP award, but he also managed the absolute absurd feat of averaging a full triple-double across four different seasons—something no one else in league history has ever pulled off. Love him or hate him, Russ brought pure high-octane chaos every single night and etched his name into the record books forever.

Sacramento’s first challenges

The Sacramento Kings are tipping off their 2026–27 campaign with an action-packed first week right out of the gate. They open up on the road on Wednesday, October 21, taking on the Los Angeles Clippers in their brand-new Intuit Dome.

Just two days later, on Friday, October 23, Beam Team nation gets their turn as the Kings head back to Golden 1 Center for their home opener against the Portland Trail Blazers. To wrap up their initial three-game stretch, Sacramento stays on its home floor to clash with the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, October 25, making for a fast, high-energy start to the new year.

Key takeaways

• Russell Westbrook retired from pro basketball in mid-August after an 18-season NBA career.
• Russell Westbrook retired as the NBA’s undisputed, all-time king of triple-doubles.
• Sacramento opens the 2026–27 season on Wednesday, October 21 against the LA Clippers.

Butler has been sidelined since January of this year after tearing the ACL in his right knee during a game against the Miami Heat. This type of injury requires a lengthy recovery process, and the Warriors have no intention of rushing his return.

His return to the court is not expected until February 2027. Golden State will have to make do without one of its biggest stars for a significant portion of the season.

More absences for the Warriors

The Golden State Warriors will be starting the 2026–27 season not only without Butler but also Moses Moody, as he continues his long road back from a brutal knee injury. Back in late March 2026 during an overtime game against the Dallas Mavericks, Moody suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee that required season-ending surgery.

While a major rehab process like this usually takes up to a year, his recovery has been progressing smoothly, and current reports target a potential return between December 2026 and January 2027. It’s a tough blow for Golden State’s perimeter depth early on, but having him back mid-season will be a massive boost for its rotation.

Warriors’ schedule

The Warriors are diving headfirst into the 2026–27 season with an intense three-game slate in four nights. They kick off their campaign on the road on Wednesday, October 21, heading down south to take on the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena.

Two nights later, on Friday, October 23, Dub Nation gets their home opener as Golden State returns to Chase Center in San Francisco to battle the Memphis Grizzlies. To wrap up their quick opening week, the Warriors fly out to Arizona on Saturday, October 24, for a high-powered matchup against the Phoenix Suns.

Key takeaways

• Jimmy Butler is sidelined following a right knee ACL tear suffered in January 2026.
• Moses Moody targets a return between December 2026 and January 2027 from knee surgery.
• Golden State Warriors open their 2026–27 season on Wednesday, October 21 against the Lakers.

One of the most influential perimeter players on Steve Kerr’s championship-winning Warriors squad, Thompson decided to seek a fresh start and take his talents to Dallas. However, injuries proved to be a major headache for him.

Now, in this new chapter of his career, Klay moved to South Florida to join the Miami Heat. Erik Spoelstra now has one of the best shooters in the league at his disposal, while the team also managed to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo during the latest offseason.

A glorious era for the Warriors

During his legendary 13-year run in the Bay, Klay Thompson was an absolute force of nature, anchoring the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty with four NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022).

Thompson put up mind-boggling numbers and shattered records that still sound made up—like dropping an NBA-record 37 points in a single quarter against Sacramento, draining 14 three-pointers in a single game against Chicago, and explosion-scoring 60 points in just 29 minutes taking a mere 11 dribbles. Add in five All-Star nods and his legendary “Game 6 Klay” heroics, and Klay left behind a bulletproof legacy in San Francisco as one of the deadliest shooters to ever touch a basketball.

Thompson’s contract with the Heat

After working out a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks, Klay Thompson officially joined “Heat Culture” by signing a two-year, $11.5 million deal with the Miami Heat. The contract gives him a starting salary around $5.6 million for the 2026–27 season and includes a player option for the second year along with a 15% trade kicker.

By taking a huge pay cut to clear waivers and head down South, Klay locked himself in as Miami’s budget-friendly, high-gravity perimeter weapon—giving Erik Spoelstra an elite veteran sharp-shooter without clogging up the team’s cap space.

Key takeaways

• Klay Thompson signed with the Miami Heat after leaving the Golden State Warriors and Mavericks.
• Klay Thompson won four NBA championships during his 13-year run with Golden State.
• Klay Thompson signed a two-year, $11.5 million contract with the Miami Heat.

Having a superstar like LeBron on the roster can sometimes overshadow other players, as may have been the case with Luka Doncic. As the Lakers look toward a gradual rebuild, the Slovenian star is now one of the franchise’s key figures moving forward.

King James took his leadership and talent to the East Coast, joining a 76ers team that already featured Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, along with the addition of Jaylen Brown. Meanwhile, the Lakers will build around Doncic and Austin Reaves as they look to return to the NBA’s upper echelon.

LeBron gets off to a strong start in Philly

LeBron James made his official Philly debut in style, helping the 76ers spoil opening night in New York with a tight 106–100 road win over the Knicks. Playing 34 minutes in his brand-new Sixers jersey, King James took on more of a facilitator role, stuffing the stat sheet with 14 points, 9 rebounds, and a team-high 7 assists.

While he admitted postgame that he’s still getting his rhythm down with his new teammates, his steady veteran presence and timely playmaking down the stretch were more than enough to anchor Philadelphia and set a confident tone to start the season.

A new dream begins for the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are tipping off their 2026–27 campaign with a high-profile opening week right at home before hitting the road. They kick off the season on Wednesday, October 21, hosting the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena.

Then, on Friday, October 23, they back it up with a cross-hall battle against their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, right back on their home floor. To wrap up their initial three-game stretch, the Lakers head out on their first road trip to Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on Sunday, October 25.

Key takeaways

• LeBron James joined the Philadelphia 76ers as an unrestricted free agent.
• LeBron James recorded 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists in his 76ers debut.
• Los Angeles Lakers open their 2026–27 season on Wednesday, October 21 against Golden State.