LeBron James helped Philadelphia withstand a late New York comeback Friday night, delivering two crucial baskets as the 76ers beat the Knicks 98-93 in NBA Cup play. The victory at Xfinity Mobile Arena lifted Philadelphia to 5-1, with James finishing with 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
The Sixers had led by 11 in the fourth quarter before the Knicks rallied. Jalen Brunson capped the comeback with a step-back 3-pointer that wiped out Philadelphia's advantage and brought a loud response from the many New York supporters in the arena. James answered on the following possession, backing down OG Anunoby, dribbling toward the middle and hitting a fadeaway jumper to restore the Sixers' lead.
About a minute later, James converted a putback layup that gave Philadelphia a five-point cushion with 11.9 seconds left. Coach Nick Nurse described the performance as James' strongest since joining the team. Tyrese Maxey said James provided a "calming presence" when games were tight and credited his ability to produce important baskets down the stretch.
All five Philadelphia victories this season have included clutch time, defined as the final five minutes with the score within five points. Two of those wins have come against New York. Before this season, the Knicks had won six consecutive meetings between the teams, a run that included a second-round playoff sweep on their way to the NBA championship.
Friday marked James' first 20-point performance with the Sixers and his 68th such game since turning 40. That total exceeds the combined 67 recorded by every other NBA player at age 40 or older. At 41 years and 304 days, he also matched Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the fifth-oldest player in league history to score at least 20 points in a game.
James said he does not focus on those milestones, though the length of time he has maintained a high standard has surprised him. His production Friday was uneven. With Jaylen Brown sidelined by a left patellar injury, James scored 12 points on nine shots before halftime. He attempted only one shot in the third quarter, scoring two points from free throws, before adding six points in the fourth.
James said he was enjoying his time with his teammates and was happy with his decision to join Philadelphia. The Sixers next face the Hornets on Saturday in Charlotte, North Carolina.
