LeBron James Urges Calm as 76ers Push to 8 and 1 Record

LeBron cools off Finals talk after fast start

Philadelphia beat Detroit 112-106 on Wednesday night to move to 8 and 1 on the season. The win avenged the team's only loss of the year. Even with the strong start, LeBron James made it clear nobody should talk about June yet.

James said it is too early to talk about the Finals on November 4th. He praised the group chemistry, noting that the players like being around each other and buy into the daily plan.

Jaylen Brown scored a season high 30 points and blocked Cade Cunningham late in the game. Joel Embiid added 26 points and 15 rebounds, while James finished with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.

Roster updates and historical trends

Philadelphia is 4 and 0 on the road. That has only happened five times in the past 50 seasons for the franchise. The team reached the Finals in each of the previous four instances, including the 2000 to 2001 season.

Head coach Nick Nurse agreed with James about staying grounded. Nurse said he would not read anything super long term into early results, adding that the main goal is simply extending good play.

Point guard Tyrese Maxey hurt his right pinky finger late in the game. A trainer looked at his swollen finger in the locker room, but Maxey said he will be fine. Center Adem Bona left in the fourth quarter with a neck injury. Nurse noted that Bona seemed okay, with an official update coming Thursday.

Heading back to Cleveland

The 76ers head to Cleveland next to face the Cavaliers on Friday. It marks another return for James to the city where he began his career.

James noted that previous successful teams maintained daily consistency and kept each other accountable. He added that the group knows there is still a long way to go.

What it means for the next game

Philadelphia 76ers at Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA, Sat, 07 Nov): Cleveland Cavaliers win 49%, Philadelphia 76ers win 51%; projected score Cleveland Cavaliers 118, Philadelphia 76ers 116. Our safest pick: Cavaliers +6.5.

Philadelphia 76ers at Chicago Bulls (NBA, Sun, 08 Nov): Chicago Bulls win 41%, Philadelphia 76ers win 59%; projected score Chicago Bulls 115, Philadelphia 76ers 117. Our safest pick: Bulls +10.5.