BOSTON — Much was made of Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey’s struggles against the Boston Celtics heading into this Eastern Conference semifinal. For good reason, though, he had a really tough time getting into any type of rhythm.
In the Game 1 win over the Celtics, Maxey didn’t have the greatest overall game. He shot just 10-for-24 and 2-for-9 from deep with five fouls, but he had 26 points.
In the second half, Maxey shot 7-for-16 and he scored 19 points. He struggled on the 3-ball, but he was getting easy looks. Those are the shots the Sixers believe he will make.
“Getting him early,” coach Doc Rivers explained for Maxey’s second half. “High step-ups. We ran all the high step-ups for James (Harden) in the first half and we really made a point of emphasis of getting the ball to him early and instead of setting the picks at the free-throw line, we were setting them literally at half-court. We just felt like if we can get Tyrese running downhill, it’s gonna be good for him.”
That is always the key with Maxey. If the Sixers can get him with a head full of steam toward the basket, then they are going to be a much better team. He is so quick and so shifty that defenders have a tough time with him as the Celtics did in Game 1.
It also helps that Rivers and the coaching staff made the adjustment of setting up the offense at half-court instead of the free-throw line. PJ Tucker was a big part of getting him going in that respect.
“PJ yesterday (Game 1) had an extraordinary pick game,” said Rivers. “The flips, I think he had seven flip-picks where he was on the left and flips to the right and we came off. We actually missed two or three of them and they were point-blank looks and those quick little flip-picks and not getting charges or offensive fouls are hard to do. Probably his best pick game of the year.”
The Sixers have to hope Maxey can keep this going as they look to take a 2-0 lead before this series shifts to the Wells Fargo Center.
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