Sixers Bell Ringer: Starting five flashes dominance vs. Nets

BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 8: LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers throws chalk in the air before the game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 8, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Preseason Bell Ringer rankings:

Jaylen Brown – 1

It was the first game the starting five of LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe and Joel Embiid all played together, and there is a ton to be excited about.

The Sixers' new Big 5 — LeBron, Embiid, Brown, Maxey and Edgecombe — played (preseason) together for the first time tonight.

Here's a glimpse into the pace they played with, the offensive progression, off-ball movements and more in a highlight reel of the 5 together ⬇️🔥 pic.twitter.com/LYdWew3UNH

— Erin Grugan (@eringrugan) October 9, 2026

Jaylen Brown continued his strong preseason against the Nets, tallying 18 points on 5-of-9 shooting. He made up for a slow start with a full house spreading the basketball around by taking over in the early moments of the second half.

Considering he earned Bell Ringer honors in the first game, it felt most sensible to showcase the stars we saw for the first time.

LeBron James:10 points, 18 minutes, 1-of-1 FG, 8-of-8 FT, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal

James looked in control for all of his 18 minutes, finding open Sixers in transition on what seemed like every possession for the first six minutes.

Three Sixers possessions… three Sixers dunks 💪 pic.twitter.com/4360wGJEs1

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 8, 2026

Although his only field goal came in the form of an early post-up finish over Drake Powell and Mo Wagner, most of James’ points came at the free throw line. He was a perfect 8-for-8 from the charity stripe, converting drives into points.

Lebron James with his first (preseason) field goal as a Philadelphia 76er, with a little English on it pic.twitter.com/T3xDJMTPEI

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 9, 2026

His court vision has the chance to really elevate the games of Maxey, Edgecombe and Brown. It will be a focal point if Embiid can look more comfortable before the regular season begins. He finished with eight turnovers.

Tyrese Maxey: 14 points, 5-of-8 FG, 2-of-4 3PT, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal

Maxey looks incredibly fast and showcased his speed on a nasty baseline dunk over Egor Demin.

Reseee! 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/9auzyrumNv

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 8, 2026

He made two threes and appeared to be in a rhythm early. First three was off a James assist while the second three was running in transition and receiving the return pass from VJ Edgecombe.

Second three-ball of the night for Maxey so far 🎯 pic.twitter.com/JqHRkjO1SI

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 8, 2026

He was playing very comfortable off-ball, playing a cutoff-man role to help pace out the offense or push the pace in transition.