The Sixers are currently on a West coast swing of games, with their latest opponent being Damian Lillard and the Portland Blazers. The Sixers fall short to the blazers 118 – 111, but once again, Maxey continues to grow and show that he can be a key contributor to this team. Tyrese ended the game with 28 points, 3 Rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals, and 1 turnover.
Joel Embiid is the number one scoring option on this Sixers team, followed by Tobias Harris and Seth Curry. It might be time though that Head Coach Doc Rivers starts getting the second-year guard involved more in the offense, even when Embiid is back. During this time, with so many playing being in and out of the lineup due to injury and health and safety protocols.
Maxey has been the one consistent player when it comes to being able to score the basketball, not only during this road trip but all year. The Sixers desperately need a perimeter scorer but might not have to look any further than who is right on their team. Maxey continues to prove that night in and night out that he should be the player in that role.
Tyrese averages 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assist so far this year, despite not being a real option. The second-year guard scored over 20 points multiple times this year and, in crunch time, shows the willingness to take and make the big shots when the team needs it.
The current Sixers have only one legit superstar on the team in Embiid. I believe they have to take the approach of team scoring and getting points in different ways. Maxey provides the perimeter scoring that the team needs; the Sixers need to start utilizing him more early and often. Which can only ease and less the scoring burden on the other players like Embiid, Tobias, and Seth.
Maxey’s speed, athleticism, and relentless pressure he puts on defenders and the rim will only open up the floor even more for his teammates. This attack style of play has even caught the eye of refs around the NBA, and they have been rewarded the young guard with more free throw opportunities as well, an aspect of the game Maxey has worked on and is currently excelling shooting 84% from the line this year.
It looks like for the foreseeable future, Maxey will be the starting point guard. The Sixers and head coach Doc Rivers need to start recognizing what they have in the young man and put his talents on full display more often if this team wants to continue winning games.
The East will not be an easy conference this year with so many teams getting better and fighting for playoffs spots. The Sixers need to adapt and utilize everything they have, so it’s time to unleash the young guard for this team to get his full potential out of him that can only help. How long can Tyrese keep this up? I’m not sure, but what I do know is between his work ethic and skill set, there is no need for this team to sit on it; I say embrace it and utilize it.
