LeBron James added another line to a career already packed with them on Sunday, and this one came against a familiar opponent.
In the first quarter of the Philadelphia 76ers’ road game against the Chicago Bulls, James passed into the record book as the all-time leading scorer against Chicago, according to Legion Hoops. The milestone came on a 3-pointer, which also gave him his first points of the night.
James is doing this in his 24th NBA season, and the number only underscores how long he has been doing damage at the highest level. At 41, he is still producing at a steady clip for the 76ers, who entered the game on a 7-1 start. He is averaging 14.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game.
Sunday’s moment also tied back to where his NBA story began. On December 20, 2003, James made his professional debut against the Bulls as a Cavaliers rookie and the league’s most ballyhooed No. 1 pick, fresh off his rise as a high school star at St.
Vincent St. Mary's in Akron, Ohio.
Cleveland won that game 95-87, and James put up 32 points and 10 assists.
Since that debut, James has gone 54-36 against Chicago.
By halftime on Sunday, the 76ers were ahead of the Bulls 68-61. James had 16 points and was 2-for-3 from beyond the arc. Earlier in the game, Matas Buzelis crossed James over for a mid-range jumper that has gone viral, but James settled in and finished the half strong.
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Thomas added 10 rebounds for a double-double, giving the Blue Coats a front-line presence to go with the scoring barrage. For the 76ers, it was a reminder that the two-way competition in camp was not an easy call, because both players showed the kind of production that can make a team look twice at what it passed on. [Read more 🡒]
Bulls Suddenly Face Two Rotation Questions Against Philly
Chicago is heading into its matchup with Philadelphia with its frontcourt and wing depth still in flux, even as help is on the way. Nic Claxton is expected to make his Bulls debut after missing time with a hamstring injury, though he will be on a minutes restriction, while Jalen Smith is listed as probable despite dealing with a finger issue.
The Bulls also have a pair of rotation spots hanging in the balance, with Norman Powell questionable because of a shoulder injury and Tobe Awaka questionable with an MCL issue. Zach Collins and Dailyn Swain have already been ruled out, leaving Chicago to sort through a patchwork lineup before facing a 76ers team that can punish any thin bench in a hurry. [Read more 🡒]
