Jaylen Brown Helps 76ers Complete Historic 29-Point Comeback originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Philadelphia 76ers looked headed for a disastrous home opener Thursday night. Instead, they delivered one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent NBA history.
Philadelphia 76ers in the new season so far: - Game 1: Defeat the reigning champions ✅ - Game 2: Stage the biggest comeback in franchise history ✅ https://t.co/d7QVHIRr4U
— EssentiallySports (@ES_sportsnews) October 23, 2026
Philadelphia erased a 29-point deficit to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-106, overcoming a halftime hole that appeared nearly impossible to escape.
According to ESPN Insights, teams entered Thursday with a 65-0 record in season openers when leading by at least 20 points at halftime in the shot-clock era. Cleveland's collapse also marked the largest blown lead in the play-by-play era, which dates to the 1997-98 season.
Jaylen Brown helped fuel Philadelphia's turnaround, finishing with 21 points and delivering key baskets as the 76ers took control late. After Joel Embiid put Philadelphia ahead 96-95 with seven consecutive points, Brown added a fadeaway jumper, a driving layup and a midrange basket to help extend the advantage.
The comeback featured contributions throughout Philadelphia's lineup. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 32 points, while Embiid finished with 24. LeBron James added 17 points and 10 rebounds in his first home game with Philadelphia.
The 76ers outscored Cleveland 69-37 in the second half after trailing by 24 at halftime. Their defensive pressure and improved offensive execution turned a lopsided game into a memorable victory.
For Brown and his new teammates, the win provided another early statement as Philadelphia improved to 2-0 to begin the season.