The Cleveland Cavaliers hit a bit of a stumble on Thursday night, with J.R. Smith suspended for one game for “detrimental conduct” before the Philadelphia 76ers went into Quicken Loans Arena to take down the defending Eastern Conference Champions.
Philadelphia frustrated the Cavs to the point that Jordan Clarkson lashed out at an antagonistic Dario Saric, throwing the ball at his back after a dunk. But after the frustration faded and Joel Embiid made his pitch to LeBron James to join the Sixers in free agency, James was complimentary about the young Sixers core.
James posted a photo of he and Sixers rookie of the year candidate Ben Simmons on the court from Thursday night, calling him “The Young King” and reminding Joel Embiid to settle for “nothing less than greatness.”
James also said that Simmons is “getting better and better every night” … huge praise from the best player in the game.
It’s a nice coda on what could have turned into a bit of a fierce rivalry if things escalated with Clarkson and Saric. But James genuinely seems impressed by what’s happening in Philadelphia. It won’t do anything to quell fans in Philadelphia begging James to come play for the Sixers next season, but when James compliments someone, he means it. Especially when they beat him.
