The Philadelphia 76ers’ five-game run is over, and so is one of LeBron James’ most remarkable scoring streaks.
Friday’s 119-95 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in NBA Cup play snapped Philadelphia’s hot start and delivered a rough night for James on the same floor where he had been piling up points for years. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin noted that James’ scoring streak in Cleveland ended at 396 straight regular-season games in double figures.
“Tonight broke a streak of 396 straight regular season games in double-digit scoring in Cleveland for James. It was also his third game vs. CLE in the calendar year with 5 or fewer FGM and 5 or more turnovers,” McMenamin wrote.
James had turned in some big returns to Cleveland before this one. On December 21, 2018, he came back as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers and posted 34 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists while going 11-of-20 from the field. He also had a strong Cleveland homecoming with the Miami Heat on December 2, 2010, finishing with 38 points, five rebounds and eight assists on 15-of-25 shooting.
This time, though, the night went the other way. James finished with eight points on 3-of-12 shooting, along with eight rebounds and three assists.
Philadelphia’s own issues showed up everywhere. Joel Embiid had a tough night, going scoreless from the field and finishing with six points and seven rebounds while missing all nine of his shot attempts.
Tyrese Maxey added 17 points and four assists but shot just 5-of-15. Jaylen Brown led the Sixers with 20 points, five rebounds and five assists.
VJ Edgecombe also gave Philadelphia a lift, scoring 19 points efficiently.
The defeat dropped the Sixers from their 8-1 start and closed the door on a five-game winning streak that had been carrying them.
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