Lebron James scored 26, leading a host of seven different Cavaliers in double digits to help hand the 76ers their first loss in the Super League 146-128. Philadelphia is the last team in the league to lose, while Cleveland evens their record to 4-4.
Philadelphia (6-1) fell behind early after both Andrew Toney and Moses Malone got into early foul trouble. While Toney’s replacement, Allen Iverson, did a great job in reserve, the absence of Malone allowed Brad Daugherty a chance to get on track. Daugherty finished with a season high 22 points before fouling out in the 4th quarter with the game in hand. Daugherty and James helped push Cleveland to a 45-34 lead after one quarter, and the Cavs maintained an 11-point lead heading into the final 12 minutes.
Still, it looked as if the 76ers would find a way to continue their run. Charles Barkley had a monster game, finishing with 30 points and seven rebounds. He and Toney’s 12 fourth quarter points helped cut the lead to as low as three points just a couple minutes into the last quarter. It was then James and backcourt mate Kyrie Irving got going, leading a 24-7 run to end the game.
Philadelphia remains first in the East, while the Cavs move into the 7th spot.
Statis Pro Basketball Super League 