LeBron James responds to Trump after 76ers complete record comeback

LeBron James dismissed criticism from Donald Trump after helping the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-106 on Thursday. The Guardian reported that the victory was Philadelphia's biggest comeback in the play-by-play era, which began in 1996-97, and the largest comeback win of James's career. His response to the president came after a night in which Philadelphia also received major contributions from Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH30RBSgNPQ

James finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Maxey led the recovery with 32 points and contributed defensively against James Harden. Brown, playing his first home game in a Sixers uniform, added 21 points, with 17 coming after half-time. He scored 10 of those in the fourth quarter as Philadelphia completed the turnaround against Cleveland.

The postgame discussion also turned to Trump's objection to James's movements during the national anthem before Tuesday's season opener against the New York Knicks. Trump shared footage on Truth Social showing James alongside his Philadelphia teammates. The video included lateral swinging and basketball shooting motions, which Trump characterised as disrespectful to the country.

Trump called for an apology in his social media post and repeated his criticism at a campaign rally in Iowa on Thursday night. James responded after the Cleveland game by describing the controversy as a slow news day. The Guardian noted that the president and the NBA's all-time leading scorer have exchanged criticism before.

Sixers coach Nick Nurse treated the remarks as another external distraction for his team. In comments reported by the Guardian, Nurse emphasised practice, film sessions and games as his priorities. He also praised the players' focus and intent, keeping his assessment centred on their preparation and work on the court rather than the political dispute.

James, 41, is beginning his 24th NBA season, extending his record, and Philadelphia is his fourth team. Thursday's result paired an individual career milestone in comeback victories with a franchise mark covering the play-by-play era. Maxey's scoring and Brown's second-half contribution were central to the win alongside James's double-double.