PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey is one of the rising stars in the NBA. The fourth-year guard out of Kentucky has been putting up big numbers all season and Friday was no different.
Maxey had 27 points on 9-for-20 shooting with nine assists and four rebounds in a 128-92 loss to the New York Knicks. The Knicks walked away with the win, but New York coach Tom Thibodeau gave his respect to Maxey before the game as he has been impressed with his improvements.
“Each year, he’s gotten a lot better,” said Thibodeau of Maxey. “I think, in some ways, there’s a clear path for him now and I thought every time people were out last year, he skyrocketed.”
Maxey had a strong 2022-23 season that was sometimes overshadowed by the greatness of Joel Embiid and James Harden. Embiid led the league in scoring on his way to an MVP award while Harden led the league in assists as he showed off his brilliant playmaking.
Now, with Harden gone, the position belongs to Maxey, and the rising star is flourishing. He’s taking complete advantage of the opportunities placed in front of him.
“Now I think that the way the team is built and surrounding Maxey and Joel with shooting has opened up the floor and his speed and his shooting has gotten a lot better,” Thibodeau finished. “His first step, just the way he plays. He puts enormous pressure on you. He’s having a monster year.”
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