Exasperated Sixers fans seemed to aim their frustration at the halftime performer as Philadelphia trailed the Cavaliers by 24 during their home-opener Thursday night.
The act, Light Man, who performed an LED light and prop routine, was booed loudly as he took center court at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.
“Well, the Sixers are down 24. This talented, creative gentleman got booed a big portion of his act,” play-by-play announcer Mike Breen said on the ESPN broadcast as Cleveland led, 69-45.
“They’re just not in the frame of mind for this kind of entertainment. But he’ll get another chance, hopefully.”
Kyle Neubeck, a Sixers reporter for Phly Sports, said the reaction from the Philly crowd was a first for him.
“Tonight’s halftime act got outright booed, which is definitely a first for me covering the league,” he said in a post on X.
LeBron James and the Sixers turned things around in the second half and cut a 29-point deficit to 10 in the third quarter before completing a 114-106 comeback win to improve to 2-0.
The 41-year-old James finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. He also had three steals.
After the game, James was asked about President Donald Trump comments — that the NBA legend is a “disgrace” for not staying still during the national anthem — on opening night in New York.
“It must be a slow news day at the office, you know? Slow news day in the office,” James said as he chuckled.
Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey finished with a team-high 32 points with six assists, while center Joel Embiid scored 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting.
The 76ers host the Bucks on Saturday.
