LeBron James identifies the 76ers' encouraging trait that could fuel a championship run

The Philadelphia 76ers are only six games into the season, but LeBron James is already seeing something in his new team that could become particularly valuable when the stakes get higher. It isn't simply the scoring, the athleticism or the individual talent. One of the most encouraging signs is Philadelphia's ability to remain composed when games get uncomfortable, a characteristic that can separate championship contenders from teams that struggle to close out tight contests.

The veteran made that point after the 76ers defeated the defending NBA champion New York Knicks 98-93 in their Emirates NBA Cup opener Friday night. Philadelphia had controlled much of the game before watching New York briefly take the lead in the final two minutes. Rather than panic, however, the Sixers responded with the kind of late-game execution that James believes can become a foundation for something bigger.

"We've been in some close games this year, and we've actually prevailed; teams have made runs, teams have gotten up on us, we've gotten up on teams, and they've come back, and we've kept our cool; it's very encouraging," James said. "We're going to try to continue that trait going forward for the rest of the season."

That message was particularly meaningful coming from a player who has spent more than two decades competing for championships and understands how important composure becomes during the postseason.

The response to Brunson's late three-pointer

Philadelphia's victory over New York provided a perfect example of the trait James was describing. The Sixers led for most of the night, but Jalen Brunson briefly turned the game around with a clutch three-pointer that gave the Knicks their first lead since the opening quarter. With just 1:32 remaining, New York was ahead 90-89, and the South Philadelphia crowd had suddenly gone quiet.

The advantage lasted only 22 seconds. James answered with a 12-foot fadeaway jumper over OG Anunoby, restoring Philadelphia's lead with 1:10 remaining. It was a familiar shot from one of the most accomplished closers in NBA history , and it immediately changed the momentum.

The Sixers kept pushing. VJ Edgecombe knocked down a crucial three-pointer, and James followed with an offensive rebound and putback with 11.9 seconds remaining to help seal the victory. Philadelphia finished the game on a 9-3 run, turning a potentially damaging late collapse into another example of its ability to respond under pressure.

Head coach Nick Nurse emphasized the importance of answering immediately after Brunson's shot . "If you get into a possession game with them late, they've made an art of pulling those out," Nurse said. "It was very important that we answered immediately; it was a pretty good shot and a pretty quick answer to take the lead back. That's always huge momentum-wise."

James delivers a vintage all-around performance

The victory was another encouraging sign for a Philadelphia team that improved to 5-1 in the regular season and 1-0 in NBA Cup group play. James finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, coming within two assists and one rebound of recording his 126th career triple-double. The 41-year-old also contributed a block and a steal, demonstrating that his impact extended well beyond the scoring column.

His defensive effort was particularly noticeable when Anunoby drove toward the basket. After initially getting beaten inside, James recovered and swatted the ball against the backboard, prompting an enthusiastic reaction from the crowd.

James has been Philadelphia's leader in assists per game, averaging 6.8, and has recorded at least five assists in every game he has played this season. His ability to create opportunities for teammates remains one of the most important parts of his contribution. Nurse was particularly pleased with the veteran's performance against New York.

Could composure become Philadelphia's championship foundation?

There is still a long way to go before the 76ers can be considered legitimate championship favorites. The NBA season is demanding, injuries can change a team's trajectory, and postseason success requires much more than winning a handful of close games in October.

But James' comments point to something Philadelphia will want to preserve as the competition intensifies. The ability to withstand an opponent's run, avoid emotional mistakes and execute when the game is on the line is essential for teams with championship ambitions. The Sixers have already experienced several different types of close contests, and their early success in those situations has given the locker room reason for optimism.

Beating the Knicks was particularly significant because New York entered the matchup as the reigning NBA champion in the Emirates NBA Cup. Philadelphia also improved to 2-0 against its Eastern Conference rival this season.