LeBron James said Cade Cunningham and Luka Doncic are “two of my favorite players,” then called it too early for Finals talk after the 8-1 Philadelphia 76ers beat the Detroit Pistons 112-106 on Wednesday night.
James had 13 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. The 41-year-old also became the first player in NBA history with 16,000 made field goals, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 15,837.
LeBron on Cade Cunningham and Luka Doncic
James said he has followed Cunningham since high school and through his year at Oklahoma State. “I’ve loved Cade for quite a while,” he said.
“I love the big guard that can do multiple things,” James said. “Luka and Cade are like two of my favorite players.”
He added that the two have “a really good relationship.” Cunningham had 26 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds on 9-of-22 shooting.
James said the Sixers tried to make every shot tough for him. “He’s going to make his plays,” James said. “He’s that damn good.”
He credited Dean Wade, who had five rebounds and was plus-7 in 22 minutes. “His IQ is very high,” James said. “I thought Dean did that a few possessions.”
‘Too early’ for Finals talk
Philadelphia is 4-0 on the road. Asked whether this team shares traits with his past Finals teams, James said those teams “just had consistency throughout the whole year.”
“We understood what the assignment was and we all held each other accountable,” he said. “I think early on I kind of see that here as well.”
But he added a caveat. “It’s a long season,” James said. “It’s too early to be talking about … the finals and things of that nature.”
He said the Sixers will be built on defense. “Our defense is going to be our identity,” James said. “Defensively, that’s where we’re going to make our mark.”
James said the offense is still a work in progress despite all the scoring talent. “We’re still figuring that side of the floor out,” he said.
He also pointed to chemistry. “Guys vibe with one another. Guys like each other,” James said. “Makes the game a lot easier when you enjoy being around people.”
Jaylen Brown and LeBron’s ‘calculated’ approach
Jaylen Brown scored a season-high 30 and blocked Cunningham’s 3-point try with 37 seconds left and Detroit down six.
“Obviously, it’s a new system, new city, new everything,” James said of Brown, adding that he is “doing a great job.”
Asked about protecting his body in his 24th season, James said a recent play he discussed on a podcast was “a very calculated move on my part.” He said he is not “swaying away from contact.”
“I’m able to see things happen before things happen,” James said. “I’ve seen a lot in my experience in this league.”
“I’m in love with the process more than the result,” James said. “That’s what gets me up.”
Philadelphia plays at Cleveland, James’ former team, in an NBA Cup game Friday at 7 p.m. ET.
