newsweek
The Philadelphia 76ers dropped their first game of the 2026-27 NBA season on Sunday, falling to the Detroit Pistons 106-93. The Pistons dominated the glass, out-rebounding Philadelphia 54-37, a disparity that loomed large in the outcome.
In the locker room after the game, LeBron James was asked how the 76ers could correct their rebounding issues. The veteran superstar responded with a lighthearted nod to a memorable NCAA Tournament moment involving Taurean Prince, now a veteran depth player for Detroit.
"In the great words of Taurean Prince, who I saw tonight on the bench, a good friend of mine. 'So, the ball goes into the air and you go grab the ball.' That's what we've got to do better. If you guys watch college basketball — Baylor — then you know what I'm talking about," James said, referencing Prince's iconic interview from his Baylor days.
James finished the loss with 18 points, five assists, two steals and just two rebounds. With Joel Embiid sidelined, backup center Adem Bona led the 76ers on the boards with 13 rebounds.
Philadelphia will aim to return to the win column on Wednesday night when they face the Indiana Pacers.
Key Analysis
James's playful reference to Prince's viral quote served as both a humorous deflection and a pointed critique of his team's effort on the glass. The rebounding gap was a decisive factor in the game, and with Embiid out, the 76ers will need a collective commitment to boxing out and pursuing the ball—exactly the simple principle Prince articulated years ago.
Originally reported by newsweek.