Cleveland holds LeBron James to eight points in 24-point win

Donovan Mitchell scored 23 points as Cleveland defeated Philadelphia 119-95 in an NBA Cup group-stage game. James, who signed with Philadelphia rather than returning for a third Cleveland stint, scored eight points on 3-of-12 shooting in 31 minutes. [3] He said he could not find a “good rhythm” in his return. [2] Why it matters: Philadelphia lost this NBA Cup group game by 24 points while James made just one-quarter of his field-goal attempts. His offseason choice gave the matchup a personal connection for Cleveland fans, some of whom booed his touches during the first half. [3] Key insights: James missed all four of his three-point attempts and finished 3 of 12 overall. [3] | Mitchell's 23 points were 15 more than James scored in the same game. [3] | James had chosen Philadelphia in the offseason instead of a third stint with Cleveland. [3] Cheatsheet facts: What happened: Cleveland beat Philadelphia 119-95, with Mitchell scoring 23 and James eight. [3] | Background: The game was part of the NBA Cup group stage, and it marked James's return to Northeast Ohio after he chose Philadelphia over another Cleveland stint. [3] | Why: Cleveland held James to 3-of-12 shooting, including 0 of 4 from three-point range, across 31 minutes. [3] | The catch: The return did not produce a strong scoring night; James said he could not find a “good rhythm.” [2][3]