Scoreboard
76ers 127, Thunder 123
Nets 112, Heat 97
Hawks 136, Wizards 108
Lakers 121, Cavaliers 115
Jazz 105, Pelicans 100
Clippers 107, Mavericks 88
What went down
In LeBron James’ return to his hometown, it was his co-star Anthony Davis who steered the Lakers to victory. AD had a season-high 32 points, scoring 23 points in the second half against the Cavaliers. James, who spent 11 seasons in Cleveland, tallied 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
Clinging to a one-point lead, 113-112, in the fourth, James scored on back-to-back drives to push the Lakers’ lead back to five. It was the necessary cushion that helped the visiting team seal the win.
The Lakers have won four of their last five games, including three straight on the road.
Donovan Mitchell returned to the Cavaliers’ lineup after missing the last four games because of a right hamstring strain and had 22 points in a losing effort.
Big-time baller
Joel Embiid had a monster stat line of 35 points on 8-for-18 shooting, including 19-for-21 from the line, 11 rebounds, nine assists, and four blocks.
Embiid was matched up with Oklahoma’s prized rookie Chet Holmgren and the reigning MVP got the better of the youngster in their first encounter. Holmgren deserves an honorable mention as he powered his way to 33 points.
Joel Embiid and Chet Holmgren DUELED in OKC ??
— NBA (@NBA) November 26, 2023
Joel: 35 PTS, 11 REB, 9 AST
Chet: 33 PTS, 6 REB, 5 3PM
Sixers got the W in a close one. pic.twitter.com/SRpR9fVraV
What he said
Cleveland obviously has a special place in LeBron James’ heart. He grew up in Akron and began his road to superstardom at St.Vincent-St.Mary High School. Drafted by Cleveland in 2003, he had two stints as a Cavalier, highlighted by a championship in 2016.
"It's always special to come back here."
— NBA (@NBA) November 26, 2023
LeBron on playing in Cleveland 🗣? pic.twitter.com/A4xxwC7FUz
Did you see that?
The Cavs played a video celebrating LeBron James’ scoring milestones in his return to Cleveland.
Congrats to the Kid from Akron for continuing to pursue greatness. #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/fOzt8CeIKs
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) November 26, 2023
Extra Pass
Damian Lillard is set to face his former team as the Milwaukee Bucks host the visiting Portland Trail Blazers at 4:30 AM on NBA TV Philippines.
Lillard was part of the massive three-team trade that saw him leave Portland after 11 seasons to Milwaukee. The Trail Blazers got Jrue Holiday (who later got traded to Boston), a 2029 first-round pick, and two first-round pick swaps from the Bucks. Portland also acquired Deandre Ayton and Toumani Camara from the Phoenix Suns, who received a haul of Grayson Allen, Keon Johnson, Nassir Little, and Jusuf Nurkic.
In 14 games with his new team, Lillard is averaging 25.2 points on 41.8 percent shooting, along with 4.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists. He is coming off a 31-point, 10-assist performance in a win over the Washington Wizards. That game also saw the Bucks achieve a milestone as it was the first time in franchise history that three players scored at least 30 points. Aside from Lillard’s 31 points, Giannis Antetokounmpo also had 31 while Brook Lopez top-scored with 39.
The Trail Blazers, meanwhile, recently ended their eight-game losing streak with a much-needed 121-105 victory over the Utah Jazz. Jerami Grant led Portland with 30 points.
