LeBron James is 41 years old. He’s in his 24th NBA season. He’s also a Philadelphia 76er.
These are facts that feel worth being reminded about on occasion.
James was spectacular Friday night, guiding the Sixers to a 98-95 win over the defending champion New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
“I thought he was really good all the way through tonight,” head coach Nick Nurse said of James. “I thought that he got some downhill stuff, used his size and knocked ’em around a little bit for some layups. I thought he obviously
kind of pushed and organized. I thought he was a little quicker to make some decisions to shoot the three ball as well, and then obviously make a couple big plays down the stretch.
“That’s really the best game, just kind of all around. I mean, he’s been good, but that was his best game for sure.”
It was James’ finest performance of the young season. He scored 20 points — his first 20-plus-point game as a Sixer — and recorded nine rebounds and eight assists. He also chipped in a steal and a block as the team’s defense continues to be its strong suit.
With Jaylen Brown out because of left knee tendinopathy, the Sixers were going to need more offense from somewhere. While James had often been deferential over the course of his first four games of the season, he was aggressive in looking for his own shot Friday. He continually got downhill, playing bully ball on several possessions against the Knicks’ wing defenders.
His knack for figuring out what his team needs and providing it is uncanny.
“I’m just trying to get more and more comfortable with what we’re running offensively,” James said, “and I think every game and every week that I’m here, my body will continue to ramp up and ramp up, getting better and better, so that played a part.”
Since we’ve seen it for 24 years, LeBron’s greatness is sort of taken for granted at times, but there are plays and moments that remind you why he’s arguably the greatest player of all time.
His physical prowess is still impressive, with his ability to big-boy guys like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. His passing vision remains elite, like on the play he found Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the opposite corner with an absolute frozen rope, hitting KCP in the shooting pocket.
And when the game was on the line, his composure and awareness were evident as he nailed a fadeaway to take back the lead late and put back a Tyrese Maxey miss to help seal the win.
“Well, I guess the best teacher in life is experience, and I’ve been in really big games,” James said. “So, for me to be able to be a calming factor for our team late game, it’s just the experience that I have.
“If it’s me with the ball, without the ball, being able to put guys in the right position, just trying to talk them through if the other team make a run, come to the sideline, ‘We’re good. Let’s move on to the next play, and let’s figure out how we can be better for this play and the rest of the game.’”
The Sixers are 5-1. They’ve beaten the reigning champs twice already and have been finding ways to win close games.
Are you having fun yet, Philly?
LeBron James sure is.
“I’m having a great time,” he said. “I love what we’re bringing to the table every night. I love our competitive spirit. Guys show up to work. Guys are ready to work hard, and it’s a fun group too. I think I’ve said it before, I’m like a big ass kid, to be completely honest. But these guys are great to be around, and I’m more than happy that I made the decision to come.”
