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The Philadelphia 76ers’ home opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers was one for the ages on Thursday. Ultimately, the 76ers pulled off a 29-point comeback win, 114-106. As a result, they are off to a 2-0 start.
With the hype surrounding the franchise and the addition of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, they are making quite an impression early on.
ESPN analyst Brian Windhorsttruly agreed when assessing the 76ers on ESPN’s First Take.
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“They are in such a good place” Windhorst said.
In a slight dig at the Cavs, Windhorst pointed out that they let a 22-point lead slip to the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Windhorst also cited LeBron’s first-game jitters with other teams, when they didn’t start strong.
He offered some caution while also expressing excitement.
“It’s only 2 games in,” Windhorst said. “But man, great start for the Sixers.”
“They are in such a good place.”
—@WindhorstESPN on what the 76ers' 29-point comeback win over the Cavaliers really means 🏀 pic.twitter.com/Ry8AekGnRk
— First Take (@FirstTake) October 23, 2026
Philadelphia trailed by 24 points at the half. After that, Philadelphia outscored Cleveland 69-37 to win.
Tyrese Maxey led the way with 32 points and 6 assists. Joel Embiid had 24 points and 7 assists. Jaylen Brown scored 21 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and handed out 4 assists. LeBron James finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds. V. J. Edgecombe scored 11 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists.
This collection of stars puts the 76ers in prime position to be a title contender. For LeBron James, that would mean winning another championship with a different team.
That said, the 76ers still have vulnerabilities in building cohesion and keeping injury-prone players like Embiid intact.
The 76ers will stay put in Philadelphia to play against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.
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