LeBron returns to Ohio for the first time since joining the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer.
And amid speculation as to whether he would receive a warm welcome or a frosty one, Cavs fans roared when James’ name was read out ahead of tip-off.
It marks a huge difference to the greeting LeBron got when he returned after joining the Miami Heat in 2010, when the mayor had to plead for calm and beer inside the arena had to be sold in cups rather than plastic bottles to avoid any nasty scenes.
James inspired the Cavs to four straight NBA Finals in the last four years, including the 2016 championship – Cleveland’s only ever title.
The Cavs are just 13-2 without LeBron, sitting bottom of the Eastern Conference.
They clearly miss LeBron, who is the second-highest leading scorer in the league by averaging 28.8 points per game with the Lakers.
But there was no ill feeling towards the 33-year-old on his homecoming as Cavs fans enjoyed the return of their native son.
James insisted that it would be “time to go to work” after the tip ball, although it remains to be seen how he will cope with the unusual atmosphere.