James scored the milestone basket on a dunk with 8:07 left in the fourth quarter. The 30-year-old James became the fifth active player with 25,000 points and the 20th overall. He joined Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki, San Antonio’s Tim Duncan, Minnesota’s Kevin Garnett, Los Angeles’ Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce of the Clippers.
James turned heads over the weekend when he dressed as musician Prince at a Halloween bash.
Turns out, Prince James still reigns best as a basketball King.
James scored six points in the third quarter to help the Cavaliers start their rally against the 0-3 Sixers. He made 9 of 19 shots and had four steals.
But it was the latest major achievement that stuck with James, who went from Ohio prep star to the No. 1 overall selection by Cleveland in the 2003 draft.
“It just means I’ve played with a lot of great teammates, a lot of great coaches,” James said. “I’ve been around some great groups and I’ve been able to reap the benefits. It’s a cool thing. I’ve got more work to do but it’s pretty cool to see where you’re able to kind of stop and look at it.”
Jahlil Okafor, the No. 3 overall pick of this year’s draft, fought through foul trouble and led the Sixers with 24 points. Nik Stauskas scored 15 and Nerlens Noel 14.
Okafor and Noel are the building blocks of a franchise years away from contention. Okafor and Noel, the No. 6 overall pick of the 2013 draft, gave the Sixers a peek in the first half at just good they might be one day. Noel and Okafor powered Philadelphia to a 32-18 lead after one and a 54-49 edge at the break.
James and Kevin Love, who scored 15, got the Cavs rolling. Cleveland made 13 of 20 shots in the third to help put the game away.
Mo Williams scored 21 points for the Cavaliers.
TIP-INS
Cavaliers: G J.R. Smith left in the first half with a right knee contusion. He averaged 6.3 points through the first three games. … Injured G Kyle Irving (left kneecap) traveled with the team. He had a heavy workout on Sunday and had no planned workout on Monday, so he made the trip.
Sixers: F Robert Covington briefly left to get his left ankle taped. … Reserve G T.J. McConnell had 12 assists.
IMPRESSED
James likes the early returns on the rebuilding Sixers.
“I think they have some young talent,” James said. “I think what hurt them a little is the injury of the big fella from Kansas (Joel Embiid, recovering from foot surgery). I know everyone is kind of waiting around to see how well he can play games.”
Until then, the Sixers will continue taking their lumps.
“Everyone wants instant oatmeal,” James said. “But it’s always a process. You got to put the time in. You got to build things from the ground up. This year, it’s about making a transition.
“It will happen. Hopefully, it will happen when I’m done.”
UP NEXT
Cavaliers: Host the New York Knicks on Wednesday.
Sixers: Play at Milwaukee on Wednesday.