Tyrese Maxey propelled the Sixers to a 111-97 victory over the Celtics. This win tied their first-round playoff series at a game apiece. Maxey scored 12 of his 29 points during the final stretch.
Maxey’s Decisive Performance
Nick Nurse noted that Maxey wanted to take charge. Maxey acknowledged this desire to close the game out. He drained consecutive three-pointers from the top of the key.
Maxey entered the game with previous playoff moments. These include a 38-point opener to the 2022 playoffs. He also had a 46-point masterpiece two years ago.
Edgecombe’s Contribution and Maxey’s Leadership
Maxey mentioned that rookie teammate VJ Edgecombe had already “done his job” with a 30-point performance. He also focused on getting Paul George going at the beginning of the fourth quarter. This forced Boston’s defence to turn some attention to the veteran wing, freeing up Maxey.
Maxey is experiencing his first full series as the primary offensive option. This is due to Joel Embiid’s absence while recovering from an appendectomy. Maxey gained experience in such a role while Embiid and George have battled injuries during the last two regular seasons.
He became an All-NBA contender and the league’s fifth-leading scorer during the regular season. Maxey returned early from a finger injury because he knows the team requires his production and leadership.
Looking Ahead in the Series
The series schedule is as follows:
- Game 3: Celtics at Sixers, 7 p.m. Friday, Prime Video
- Game 4: Celtics at Sixers, 7 p.m. Sunday, NBC/Peacock
- *Game 5: Sixers at Celtics, TBD Tuesday
- *Game 6: Celtics at Sixers, TBD April 30
- *Game 7: Sixers at Celtics, TBD May 2
Following a Game 1 loss to Boston, Maxey assessed his 21-point performance as “decent”. He felt he got into the paint and.