LeBron James scores 10 points in 76ers preseason loss to Nets

LeBron James made his Philadelphia 76ers preseason debut on Thursday night at the Barclays Center, contributing 10 points on perfect shooting, five assists and four rebounds in a 114-108 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. James played 18 minutes, shooting 1-for-1 from the field and converting all eight free-throw attempts.

Jaylen Brown led the 76ers with 18 points, while Tyrese Maxey added 14. The team was missing several regulars, including Ariel Hukporti (Achilles tendon tear) and Adem Bona (foot sprain), among others.

"James notched all five of his assists in the first quarter, including a one-handed pass that set VJ Edgecombe up for a dunk," a team analyst noted.

The 76ers started the game shooting 7-for-8 and showed early offensive flow, but they were unable to maintain the lead, trailing by six at the half. Center Joel Embiid, returning from injury, recorded six points on 1-for-5 shooting, three rebounds, three assists and eight turnovers in 23 minutes and received a technical foul after disputing calls.

Coach Nick Nurse used a varied rotation, giving minutes to bench players such as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Dean Wade and Jabari Walker, and later adding Labaron Philon Jr. and Justin Edwards, who hit a three-pointer early in the second quarter. The 76ers held a two-point halftime lead but were outscored in the third quarter as the Nets' bench closed the gap. A late three from Edwards cut the deficit to one point, but Brooklyn secured the win.

The 76ers will play their third preseason game on Saturday against the Boston Celtics.