LeBron James got the full mascot treatment on Sunday night, and Benny the Bull made sure the jokes landed before the game even tipped.
During the Philadelphia 76ers’ starting lineup introductions, Chicago’s longtime mascot rolled out a wine-tasting cart and brought cups with wine onto the court, offering them to James and the rest of the 76ers. It was a clear bit of trolling aimed at James as he continues through the 24th season of his NBA career, his first with Philadelphia.
The tease didn’t throw the 76ers off their rhythm. Philadelphia went into Chicago and walked away with a 127-121 win, keeping its strong start rolling despite Benny the Bull’s pregame antics.
James did his part in the victory, finishing with 22 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal. He shot 8-of-16 from the field, hit 2-of-5 from deep and went 4-of-5 at the line.
Glass of wine, LeBron James? 🍷
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 8, 2026
Benny The Bull with the free wine-tasting cart during the Sixers' starting lineup intros 😂
(via @RealBobManning) pic.twitter.com/NlW72oEzgf
Philadelphia got plenty of help around him, too. Jaylen Brown led the way with 29 points and seven rebounds, Tyrese Maxey added 27 points and seven assists, Joel Embiid posted 18 points and 10 rebounds, and VJ Edgecombe chipped in 13 points and six rebounds. In all, five Philadelphia players scored in double figures.
The win pushed the 76ers to 9-2, good for the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They sit ahead of the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons and have now opened 11 games better than they have since starting 10-1 in the 2000-01 season.
Next up, Philadelphia returns home to host Boston. Tip-off is set for Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. ET.
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