LeBron James scores 10 in 76ers debut as Nets win preseason matchup

LeBron James made his Philadelphia 76ers preseason debut in a 114-108 defeat by the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, October 8. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the game brought James, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe together in the starting lineup for the first time.

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James finished with 10 points, four rebounds and five assists, playing 18 minutes before sitting out the second half, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. He converted his only field-goal attempt and made all eight free throws. Philadelphia scored 10 more points than Brooklyn during his time on the court.

His early contribution was primarily as a distributor. The Inquirer reported that James had three assists before the first media timeout without attempting a shot. All five of his assists came in the opening quarter, including passes that produced baskets for Edgecombe, Maxey, Dean Wade and Jabari Walker. Philadelphia made 12 of 19 shots in a quarter that ended level at 33-33.

The Sixers' pace also came with mistakes. They committed 14 turnovers in the first half, seven of them by Embiid, according to the Inquirer. Embiid ended the night with eight turnovers alongside six points, three rebounds and three assists. Philadelphia nevertheless found consistent opportunities at the foul line before halftime, converting 22 of 24 attempts as its new starting group began working together in a game.

ESPN reported that Brown contributed 18 points on five-for-nine shooting, while Maxey added 14 on five-for-eight shooting and Edgecombe scored 11. Coach Nick Nurse praised James' ability to identify passing opportunities at different distances. Embiid acknowledged that he needed to protect possession better, while Nurse welcomed his effort and participation despite the uneven performance.

Philadelphia has two preseason meetings with Boston remaining, away on Saturday and at home on October 16. Nurse said he intended to use his starters in one of those games and give them minutes after halftime, ESPN reported. James described the Brooklyn outing as a useful starting point, while stressing that learning how best to complement one another would take time.