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By Bryan Colbert Jr.
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LeBron James returned to Cleveland wearing a Philadelphia 76ers jersey for the first time Friday night. He left with a loss and the end of a scoring streak that had lasted nearly 22 years.
James finished with eight points in Philadelphia’s 119-95 NBA Cup loss to the Cavaliers, snapping his streak of 396 consecutive regular-season games scoring in double figures in Cleveland.
His previous single-digit performance there came against Houston on Dec. 30, 2004.
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The loss ended Philadelphia’s five-game winning streak and dropped the Sixers to 8-2. Cleveland improved to 5-4 after taking control in the second half.
James shot 3-for-12 from the field, missed all four of his 3-point attempts and committed six turnovers. He added seven rebounds and three assists, but his difficulties creating offense were part of a broader struggle for Philadelphia.
“I know I damn sure wasn’t good at all,” James said afterward. “So look at the film and try to get better for Sunday.”
Joel Embiid missed all nine of his field-goal attempts and finished with six points, all from the free-throw line. Jaylen Brown led the Sixers with 20 points, VJ Edgecombe scored 19 and Tyrese Maxey added 17.
Despite those struggles, Philadelphia gave itself a chance after falling behind early.
The Sixers trailed 62-54 at halftime and pulled within 67-65 on a James jumper with 7:54 remaining in the third quarter.
Cleveland answered with a 24-9 run to close the period. Donovan Mitchell’s late 3-pointer pushed the lead to 91-74, and the Cavaliers scored the first five points of the fourth quarter to put Philadelphia further out of reach.
Mitchell finished with 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Evan Mobley scored 22, while Cleveland’s reserves contributed 44 points.
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The Cavaliers won despite playing without center Jarrett Allen, who was sidelined with a bruised right knee.
James’ struggles came two nights after he became the first player in NBA history to reach 16,000 career field goals. Against Cleveland, he made just three baskets and committed twice as many turnovers.
Philadelphia visits Chicago on Sunday with its lead in the Eastern Conference intact.
The immediate task is getting James and Embiid back into rhythm after a night when their combined 14 points came on 3-for-21 shooting.
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