The Philadelphia 76ers ended preseason with a 125-120 overtime loss to the Boston Celtics on Friday night, and the jokes aimed at LeBron James started almost immediately.
Boston rested most of their regulars in Philadelphia, handing several Exhibit 10 players a run, and still finished the preseason 4-0.
James made his home debut against the Celtics, scoring eight points and recording seven assists in 25 minutes. It was also Jaylen Brown’s first game against the Celtics since the trade. He finished with 20 points, while Joel Embiid had 27 and Tyrese Maxey added 22 in the loss.
Philadelphia 76ers fans turn on LeBron James after Boston Celtics defeat
The reaction was brutal, and it did not stop at the scoreline. Most of the criticism centred on LeBron James, who finished with eight points and seven assists in 25 minutes.
One supporter wrote: “Bron is 0-2 as a Sixer.” Boston’s patched-up line-up did not soften the mood. “Lost to the G League Celtics with your starters,” another added.
Another pointed out: “Still can’t beat Boston, even when they don’t have anybody playing.” The jokes kept coming. “Hahaha, is this the super team?” one wrote.
Some were ready for him to call it a day. “It’s time for LeBron to just hang it up,” one fan posted.
Not everyone aimed at LeBron, though. One fan turned on Joel Embiid and Nick Nurse: “The 76ers need Embiid to rebound and play defence. If he doesn’t understand that, then you have to trade him for a big who does. I blame Nurse for making him the focal point and not demanding he rebounds and guards smarter. He’s a big who doesn’t want to be a big.”
Embiid did finish with 27 points and eight rebounds on the night. Others simply wanted him moved on. “I feel sad for LeBron. Just trade him,” one wrote.
The Sixers open the regular season on Tuesday against the Knicks, who celebrate ring night as reigning champions, with tip-off at 7pm. Boston, meanwhile, begin their campaign in Detroit against the Pistons earlier the same day.
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