LeBron scores eight in Cleveland return as 76ers fall to Cavaliers

LeBron James scored eight points on 3-for-12 shooting in his first game back in Cleveland since choosing the Philadelphia 76ers over the Cavaliers in free agency, ESPN reported.

The 76ers lost 119-96 to the Cavaliers on Friday night in an NBA Cup game. James had six turnovers. Yahoo Sports described the performance as evidence that Philadelphia’s offense remains a work in progress.

The night ended James’ 396-game streak of scoring at least 10 points in Cleveland. The last time he scored fewer than 10 there was Dec. 29, 2004, a day before his 20th birthday.

James, 41, chose the 76ers in free agency over Cleveland, Golden State, Minnesota and Miami. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said last month that fans were “depressed, quite honestly” about losing out on him.

The crowd gave James a warm welcome. He said the reception could never match Dec. 2, 2010, when he returned as a member of the Miami Heat and was booed mercilessly after leaving the Cavaliers in free agency.

“At the end of the day, nothing can get worse than Dec. 2, 2010, from a reception standpoint,” James said. “So, I’ve seen the depths of hell when it comes to reception here, all the way to the heavens above. So, anything in between is easy money.”

Joel Embiid also struggled, finishing 0-for-9 with six points. It was the second-worst shooting performance of his career. James and Embiid became the third pair of former MVP teammates to each score in single digits and shoot 25% or worse in the same game.

“I know I damn sure wasn’t good at all,” James said.

The 76ers are 8-2 and play the Bulls in Chicago on Sunday.

What the coverage missed

ESPN’s report treats this as a rough night in a long season. It was more than that.

James is 41 and in his 24th season. He chose Philadelphia because he believed the 76ers gave him the best chance to win a fifth championship. Through 10 games they are 8-2, which is good. But Friday night was the first time this season he looked like a player in his 24th year.

He could not blow by defenders. His shots were off. He turned the ball over six times. Embiid was worse, going 0-for-9. The two former MVPs combined for 14 points on 3-for-21 shooting. The 76ers lost by 23.

The Cavaliers wanted James back. Atkinson said fans were depressed when he chose Philadelphia. The warm reception Friday was genuine, but it also reminded everyone of what Cleveland lost: a 41-year-old who can still be the best player on a good team most nights, and who chose to be that somewhere else.

What I think

One bad game does not erase an 8-2 start. James has earned the benefit of the doubt over 24 seasons.

But the performance was a reminder of what the 76ers are. They are a team built around two former MVPs who are both past 30, one of them past 40. When both struggle on the same night, they lose by 23. That is the margin.

James said he would take 8-2 through 10 games if offered. He is right to. The 76ers are good. But Friday night showed how thin the line is between good and something less, and how much of that line depends on James’ body holding up for another 72 games.