Tyrese Maxey drops 50 factors for 76ers. There are different hints he’s the following NBA breakout star

PHILADELPHIA — In a jovial temper after one other 76ers’ win, Joel Embiid needed to interject when he overheard a teammate reward Tyrese Maxey.

“Tyrese is a leader? That’s the first time I ever heard that,” Embiid mentioned, laughing.

“You don’t think I’m a leader,” a smiling Maxey known as out from his close by locker.

The reigning NBA MVP, Embiid wasn’t even attempting to maintain a straight face as he teased Maxey. Yes, Tyrese Maxey, at simply 23 and coming off his first 50-point sport, could be greater than Philadelphia’s chief. Maxey has smashed expectations on his approach to the quick checklist of high guards within the NBA – a max contract and attainable All-Star berth loom forward – and has all of the expertise wanted to be the homegrown star that types a sturdy 1-2 punch with Embiid.

Unlike, say, earlier disgruntled guards.

Ben Simmons needed out.

Jimmy Butler and the 76ers had unfulfilled potential.

James Harden, who went 4 of 12 for 11 factors for the Clippers the night time Maxey dropped 50, positive wasn’t the answer.

All indicators level to Maxey – the twenty first general choose of the 2020 draft, who landed in Philly because of fortuitous circumstances – because the thriving tag-team companion Embiid wanted, and he was right here all alongside.

Case in level: Maxey performed the sport of his profession in Sunday’s 137-126 victory over Indiana.

Maxey shot 20 of 32 general and hit seven 3s in 39 minutes. He added seven rebounds, 5 assists and even had three blocked photographs. Allen Iverson was the one youthful Sixers participant to attain 50. Maxey, Anthony Davis and Kobe Bryant are the one 23-and-under gamers to supply the 50-point, 5 rebound, 5 help and three block stat line.

Maxey grew to become the ninth Sixers participant to attain 50, becoming a member of the likes of Embiid, Iverson, Moses Malone and Wilt Chamberlain.

“It comes with great responsibility, having that freedom, being able to shoot and being able to kind of get up shots when you want to,” Maxey mentioned. “I’m still trying to get guys open, still trying to get guys great shots.”

On Maxey’s defining play, he blocked Bennedict Mathurin within the paint, then blasted towards the basket and used a Eurostep round Tyrese Haliburton to attain the bucket.

“The jump he’s made year after year, and the growth that he’s made, I mean James leaving, and now they give him the ball and give him the freedom to show what he can do and he’s not disappointing,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle mentioned. “He’s a great, great guard.”

The groups meet once more Tuesday night time on the Wells Fargo Center within the NBA In-Season Tournament.

The 76ers have gained eight straight and are 8-1 for the primary time since 2000-01, going 6-0 at dwelling. Embiid had 37 factors, 13 rebounds and 7 assists in 33 minutes in opposition to the Pacers, tremendous stats that grew to become a footnote to Maxey’s night time.

“I’ve had a bunch of 50s,” Embiid mentioned, “but it’s fun to watch someone else do it.”

And sure, Philly followers gleefully be aware the Clippers are 0-4 since they acquired Harden.

The Sixers have functioned as a real staff, and with none messy locker room drama, in coach Nick Nurse’s first season.

They suffered a blow Saturday night time when guard Kelly Oubre Jr. broke a rib when he was struck by a automobile that authorities say fled the scene. With Oubre sidelined indefinitely, Nicolas Batum acquired the beginning in opposition to Indiana and had 9 factors and 7 rebounds.

Maxey’s relationship with Embiid is a central part to his quick begin.

Embiid may need bored with attempting to include one more sidekick – throw Al Horford and Markelle Fultz into the checklist of failed experiments – into his sport. Maxey, although, in contrast Embiid to a giant brother who’s “on me every single day” to get higher. If Maxey doesn’t shoot the ball or create a play as soon as he will get the ball from the massive man, he mentioned, “I know I’m going to get an earful from Joel Embiid.”

Embiid gave his stamp of approval on social media, writing below a photograph of Maxey, “ THE FRANCHISE!!! “

With Simmons and Harden out of his way, Maxey has blossomed in the final season of a rookie deal that pays him $4.3 million. Maxey is set to become a restricted free agent next summer, though the 76ers can match the terms of any offer sheet and could sign him to a maximum-level contract this summer. That’s a potential massive payday ahead for the guard out of Kentucky who almost didn’t get drafted by the Sixers.

Maxey gave a shoutout Sunday to former Sixers and Thunder and current Wizards center Mike Muscala. Muscala hit a winning 3-pointer for Oklahoma City in a fairly meaningless game against Miami in 2020, the pandemic season. Per terms of a previous trade, the 76ers had the Thunder’s first-round pick unless it was in the top 20. But the Thunder’s win in the NBA bubble meant the Sixers earned possession of the first-round selection, which was pick No. 21.

Maxey joked he’s often reminded of Muscala’s shot and how draft-night luck broke Philly’s way.

That’s cool with the Sixers – and Maxey for the foreseeable long-term future.

“I like being here,” he mentioned.

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