🏀 Call it a comeback | Sports Daily Newsletter

So what did we learn about this reimagined Sixers team? This season, you cannot count them out. LeBron James and Co. took a 24-point deficit into the locker room and battled back to take their first lead with under seven minutes left in the fourth quarter, one they’d keep and savor a 114-106 victory behind.

With it being a home opener, we brought out a full bevy of star reporters to get you up to speed on last night and what it means going forward:

— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓What’d you think of last night’s game? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

When it comes to the state of his QB1, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni is choosing to stay on the periphery. Since the announcement that Jalen Hurts could miss the rest of the season due to blood clots in his lungs, Sirianni has said very little, even after being the only one to take the podium in the aftermath.

Now, even with the NFLPA calling for an investigation, Sirianni continued to remove himself, even when asked about it on Thursday.

“I’m not going into any of that,” Sirianni said when asked about this in his pre-practice news conference on Thursday. “Respect your question, and obviously I understand that everybody has questions about this. I care deeply about Jalen, and his well-being is first and foremost. But really, I’m here to talk about the Cowboys and our team in this week of practice.”

Here’s the state of the investigation and what’s being said — by those willing to speak out.

In other Eagles news:

🎙️ Reading: How it took LeBron James to pull Sixers broadcasting legend Matt Cord out of retirement.

🤔 Wondering: How did we get to a point where the Birds are 4.5-point underdogs to the Dallas Cowboys at home?

⚽ Sharing: Fresh off his 19th birthday, Union defender Neil Pierre just locked up a contract extension that could see him remain in Philly until 2031.

🏈 Thinking: That Penn State head coach Matt Campbell still being unable to figure out his team’s “identity” might be a serious problem.

🦅 Feeling: That Eagles coach Nick Sirianni will be a little salty if the NFL makes his pockets $250,000 lighter for allegedly mouthing off to referees this season.

For those following the remarkable story unfolding along the waterfront in Chester, know that with a win this weekend, the Union will see the early fruits of all their labor since a seven-week break for this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

On Saturday, the Union can clinch a playoff spot with a win at home against the Revolution (7:30 p.m., Apple TV), and increase their unbeaten streak to 16 games in the process. Even with a draw, the Union might find themselves in, but they’d need some help. Inquirer writer Jonathan Tannenwald takes a look at all the scenarios.

On Thursday, Villanova noted its intent to secede from the men’s Big 5 Classic in its current format, which includes traveling to face other Big 5 programs in pod play before the one-day Classic inside of Xfinity Mobile Arena.

Oct. 23, 1910: The Athletics won their first-ever World Series title as Philadelphia’s second baseball team in a Game 5 defeat of the Chicago Cubs.

The LeBron James era officially kicked off in Philly this week, but that was only part of the story. The Flyers ended their early-season skid by ripping off three straight wins; the Union upped their unbeaten streak to 15 games; and the Eagles lost again — and likely lost Jalen Hurts for the season. And our team of Inquirer photographers were there to capture it all. Here’s a look at the week in sports, Philly edition.

DANONI GHANAHLH

This former New Jersey hoops standout was just named as an Associated Press preseason All-America selection. Think you know? Take a guess and click here to see if you’re correct.

We asked: Who was one player you were sad to see leave Philadelphia?

Of all of the talented wide receivers that the Eagles had in the 1980s such as Mike Quick, Fred Barnett, and Calvin Williams — the one that truly got away was future NFL Hall of Famer Chris Carter. Criticized by Eagles head coach Buddy Ryan for only being able to “only catch touchdowns” Carter was cut by Philadelphia before the 1990 season after being drafted here in 1987. Carter and Randall Cunningham would unite with the Minnesota Vikings eight years later to amass 556 yards of offense on the way to an NFC Championship Game appearance that season. — Michael L.

Phillies: Rhys Hoskins.76ers: Charles Barkley. Eagles: Zach Ertz. Flyers: Ron Hextall. — Carol B.

Over the years was often sad to see favorite Philly athletes leave, but two in particular were Wilt Chamberlain who was traded to the Lakers by the Sixers and Reggie White who the then very frugal Eagles let go as a free agent who signed with the Packers. Both the Lakers and Packers won championships shortly after acquiring our two Hall of Fame players. — Everett S.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Chris Hine, Marcus Hayes, Ryan Novozinsky, Olivia Reiner, Matt Breen, Jonathan Tannenwald, Jeff Neiburg, Ariel Simpson, Conor Smith, Lexie Linderman, and The Inquirer’s photography staff.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

That’s your week. Enjoy your weekend and the back-to-back Sixers special we’re about to embark upon. — Kerith