LeBron James’ first preseason shift in Philadelphia came with only one credited field-goal attempt, eight free throws and a clear reminder of how much creation the 76ers expect from their new forward. James posted 10 points, five assists and four rebounds in 18 first-half minutes Thursday as Philadelphia carried a 58-56 edge over the Brooklyn Nets into halftime.
A new starting five takes the floor
The 41-year-old James, entering an NBA-record 24th season after signing a two-year, league-minimum contract this summer, started alongside Philadelphia’s other major addition, Jaylen Brown. Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe completed a group that gives coach Nick Nurse another high-level decision-maker on nearly every possession.
- James: 10 points, five assists and four rebounds in the opening half.
- Maxey led Philadelphia’s starters with 14 points.
- Brown, Embiid and Edgecombe each scored at least six points.
- The Sixers opened the break holding a two-point lead over Brooklyn.
Philadelphia’s first possession was not clean. James delivered a pass low to Embiid, who gathered it off balance and missed a turnaround attempt badly. The Sixers quickly found their rhythm after that, making their next seven shots.
James helped set that run without chasing his own looks. He repeatedly found open teammates, including on a sequence in which he fed Embiid, who swung the ball to Brown for a dunk. With Maxey, Embiid and Brown carrying major scoring duties, the early formula suggested James can run the offense without needing a heavy shot diet.
Free throws, passing and control
James did not register a field-goal try until he drove to the basket and drew a foul with 4:54 left in the first quarter. He was fouled four times over his 18 minutes and converted all eight attempts from the line, accounting for most of his scoring.
His influence was apparent away from the box score, too. Before the game, James returned from his individual work, turned up the music in the locker room and continued his preparation, with his blue Philadelphia jersey placed beside his seat.
The scene fit the role Philadelphia is asking him to take on at what is expected to be the closing stop of his career. James spent the previous eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers before making the move to the Sixers.
Nurse manages preseason workload
Nurse had said the starters were likely to play roughly half the game. Embiid remained in the lineup when the second half opened, joined by Brown and Edgecombe, while the rest of the first-unit workload was adjusted.
Much of the group had not played in Philadelphia’s preseason-opening win against the New York Knicks on Monday, making the Nets game the first extended look at the rebuilt core.
What remains before opening night
Philadelphia has two exhibition games left, both against the Boston Celtics. Boston dealt Brown to the Sixers shortly before James agreed to join Philadelphia.
- The 76ers finish preseason with two matchups against Boston.
- Philadelphia opens the regular season Oct. 20 in New York.
- The Knicks will unveil their NBA championship banner before that opener.
