The Cleveland Cavaliers had a lot to play for in South Philly against the Philadelphia 76ers. Sure, it was just the second game of the regular season, but don't forget the Sixers spoiled Cleveland's chance at getting a third stint with LeBron James on their team.
The Cavs were quite open about their interest in landing LeBron over the summer. Cocky about it, almost. Then James decided to stun the NBA world with his final choice. There was no linking with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. No making it right with Pat Riley. And no giving Cleveland a third and final act.
Before the Cavs and the Sixers met on Thursday night, Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson got real on his feelings about the situation. "We were anticipating and excited," he told reporters. When the Cavaliers realized they got passed up on, Atkinson said he felt "depressed," according to ESPN.
A chance to show him what he's missing
Thursday was a big moment for the Cavs. James Harden heard boobirds every time he touched the ball in the beginning. Cleveland had some bottled-up emotions from losing in the Eastern Conference Finals, and there is a chance they wanted to show LeBron what he's missing.
The bulletin board material for the Cavs worked. Well, until it didn't. Going into halftime, the Sixers trailed 69-45. LeBron was shooting 2-for-6 from the field, scoring five points. Only Tyrese Maxey had double digits. It seemed like a stiff reality check was coming the 76ers' way after they spoiled banner night for the Knicks in New York City. However, the 76ers once again proved that LeBron made a wise choice.
More pain for the Cavs
The Cavaliers produced 69 points in the first half--then gave up 69 to the Sixers in the second half. Philadelphia's defense was lockdown once again, as they held the Cavaliers to just 36.8% shooting from the field. From three, the Cavaliers could only make two out of 14 shots in the final two quarters.
Meanwhile, LeBron James collected 12 points, while coming down with seven rebounds, and dishing out four assists in the second half. He finished the game with a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double.
Tyrese Maxey led the way with 32 points, while Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown each scored over 20, combining for 45 points throughout the game. As if losing the LeBron sweepstakes wasn't enough, Kenny Atkinson and the Cavaliers choked a 29-point lead to the Sixers and lost 114-106. Philadelphia now moves to 2-0 on the season, with wins against both Eastern Conference championship contenders from last year.
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