76ers Open Season With Win Over Knicks, Then Rally Past Cavaliers
The 76ers won their season opener over the Knicks, then rallied from 29 points down to beat the Cavaliers at home.
Event / Sports
LeBron James National Anthem Dispute
During the national anthem before the Philadelphia 76ers' October 20, 2026 season opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, LeBron James was seen practicing a golf swing and jump shot while most teammates stood still. On October 22, 2026, Donald Trump posted on Truth Social criticizing James's conduct as disrespectful and asking him to apologize. As of that afternoon, James had not publicly responded.
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2026-10-23 to 2026-10-24 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 23 Oct, 00:22 UTC
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What happened
Trump says Cavaliers and Warriors will not be welcome at the White House after 2018 Finals
In 2018, Trump announced he would not allow the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors to visit the White House following that year's NBA Finals.
Trump withdraws White House invitation to Steph Curry in 2017
In 2017, Trump withdrew a White House invitation to Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry after Curry said he was reluctant to attend.
James endorses Hillary Clinton in op-ed for Akron Beacon Journal
In 2016, LeBron James wrote an op-ed for the Akron Beacon Journal endorsing Hillary Clinton for president, arguing she understood the challenges facing underprivileged youth.
Trump says he would choose Michael Jordan over LeBron James as basketball's greatest player
Asked to name basketball's greatest player, Trump said he would choose Michael Jordan, saying he has played golf with Jordan. He also said of James, 'maybe he's a racist, but maybe he doesn't like Trump.'
LeBron James records 17 points and 10 rebounds in 76ers home opener
LeBron James recorded 17 points and 10 rebounds in the 76ers' 114-106 home-opener win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night. It was his first home game with the 76ers.
Crowd boos 76ers before halftime as Cavaliers lead reaches 29 points
Fans at Xfinity Mobile Arena booed the 76ers before halftime after Cleveland's lead reached 29 points. At that point, ESPN analytics gave Philadelphia a 1.3 percent chance of winning.
76ers defeat Knicks 106-100 in NBA season opener
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New York Knicks 106-100 in the opening night game of the NBA season at Madison Square Garden. It was LeBron James's first game with the 76ers.
76ers rally from 29-point deficit to beat Cavaliers 114-106 in home opener
The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-106 in their home opener after trailing by 29 points at one point in the second quarter. The comeback was the largest of James's career and the largest in the franchise's modern era.
Trump posts on Truth Social calling LeBron James 'a TOTAL DISGRACE' over national anthem
On Thursday, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that LeBron James disrespects the country during the national anthem, called him 'a TOTAL DISGRACE,' and said James should apologize to American warriors and heroes who died for the flag.
Trump repeats criticism of James at Iowa campaign rally
At a campaign rally in Sioux City, Iowa, on Thursday night, Trump questioned why James was practicing a golf swing during the national anthem and called it a big scandal. The crowd booed as Trump spoke about James.
James appears to mime golf swing and shooting motion during anthem at Madison Square Garden
Video shows LeBron James appearing to mime a golf swing and practice a jump shot or free-throw motion while 'The Star-Spangled Banner' was played before the 76ers' season opener against the New York Knicks. Most of his teammates stood still during the anthem.
76ers coach Nick Nurse says Trump's criticism is 'outside noise'
Before the home opener, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said the president's comments were consistent with other outside noise the team had already faced. He said the team's focus was on practice, film study and game preparation.
James responds to Trump's post: 'It must be a slow news day at the office'
After the Thursday night game, James was asked about Trump's Truth Social post and said, 'It must be a slow news day at the office, you know.'
James posts 'U bum' message on Twitter addressing Trump in 2017
In 2017, LeBron James posted on Twitter that Curry had already said he would not go to the White House, that the invitation was therefore void, and that going to the White House had been a great honor until Trump 'showed up.'
Trump demands apology from LeBron James over anthem conduct
President Donald Trump posted on social media demanding an apology from LeBron James for appearing to warm up during the national anthem. In the post, Trump called James a 'total disgrace' who 'disrespects our country.'
Trump criticizes LeBron James again at Sioux City, Iowa campaign rally
On Thursday, October 22, 2026, President Trump continued to criticize LeBron James during a campaign rally in Sioux City, Iowa.
LeBron James responds to Trump: 'Must've been a slow news day at the office'
After the Sixers' home-opener win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, October 22, 2026, LeBron James told reporters, 'Must've been a slow news day at the office,' in response to Trump's criticism.
LeBron James averages 15.5 points and 9.5 rebounds in first two Sixers games
Across his first two games with the Philadelphia 76ers, LeBron James has averaged 15.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game.
Sixers coach Nick Nurse calls Trump criticism part of outside noise
Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said Trump's criticism of James was part of the outside noise the team has faced, and said the team's focus remains on practice, film study, and game preparation.
LeBron James mimes golf swings and jump shots during national anthem before Sixers game
Before the Philadelphia 76ers played the New York Knicks on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, LeBron James was seen miming golf swings and jump shots while the national anthem played at Madison Square Garden. The Sixers won the game 106-100.
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2 alternative perspectives
Philadelphia Crowd Boos 76ers as Cavaliers Build 29-Point Lead
Philadelphia fans booed the 76ers before halftime as Cleveland's lead reached 29, while Nick Nurse called Trump's criticism outside noise.
Trump Renews Criticism of LeBron James at Sioux City Rally
Trump repeated his criticism of LeBron James and demanded an apology during a midterm campaign stop in Iowa.
LeBron James Responds to Trump's Anthem Criticism With Brief Remark
James replied to Trump’s anthem criticism with a brief remark, while coach Nick Nurse called the criticism outside noise.
Trump Criticizes LeBron James's Anthem Conduct in Truth Social Post
Trump publicly criticized LeBron James's anthem conduct during a 76ers game, and James had not responded as of Thursday afternoon.