The Sixers forced a Game 7 in Boston this Saturday with a dominant win over the Celtics in Game 6 in Philly on Thursday.
Maxey’s Impact on the Sixers
The early stages of a shift for the Sixers might have started on draft night in 2020, when they took Tyrese Maxey. Maxey’s imprint on the franchise has been indelible.
His talent and leadership are big reasons the Sixers were able to force a Game 7 in Boston this Saturday with a dominant win over the Celtics in Game 6 in Philly on Thursday.
After the Sixers staved off elimination in Game 5 on the road, Maxey was ready to get back to Philly. He was on a mission to make amends for the team’s no-show in Game 4, calling that performance a “disgrace” and “unacceptable.”
A Win for the Fans
“Fans were amazing, man,” Maxey said. “They showed up and they showed out, so we appreciate them for that. I feel like they deserved the win and we came through.”
The team played about as well as Sixers fans’ wildest dreams could’ve conjured, but Maxey was exceptional Thursday night.
He scored 30 points on an efficient 11-of-22 from the field and 3-of-5 from three. He also dished out five assists and committed zero turnovers. It was about as clean and impactful a game as we’ve seen from a point guard around these parts.
- Maxey now has the most 30-point games with zero turnovers by a point guard in NBA postseason history.
- He’s also the first Sixer to record 30 points, five assists and zero turnovers in a playoff game since Julius Erving back in 1982.
Maxey’s Growing Role
Maxey hasn’t been perfect, but he’s gotten better as the series has gone on.
He’s seen how Boston is defending him and finding ways to manipulate their defense, as stars tend to do. The presence of Joel Embiid has helped a great deal, but Maxey is also proving he’s too good to be held down for long.
While there was an adjustment period reintegrating the big fella, Maxey is operating at a high level right now.
“It’s a completely different game for him,” Nick Nurse said postgame. “I think there’s so much more reading of what’s there. Is it time for him to go? Is it time for him to shoot? Is it time for him to go downhill? Is it too much help? Is it time to kick it back? … So I think he’s processing that better with some more games. And I do think he did a great job, again, of directing the team.”
The offensive production is tremendous.