MINNEAPOLIS — The Philadelphia 76ers have one of the more dynamic backcourts in the league: James Harden and Tyrese Maxey. Harden made his debut on Friday, and it was a successful one: a win at the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Harden had 27 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds. Maxey had 28 points while taking advantage of the transition opportunities he received. The Sixers focus a lot on using their defense to get out and run, but they have had issues doing so in the 2021-22 season without Ben Simmons.
Now that the Simmons saga is over and Harden is with the Sixers, they were able to get out and run in transition because he is such a terrific passer.
“Yeah, just because it’s multiple players that can bring the ball up and create for others,” said Maxey. “When he gets a rebound or he’s close to the outlet and I run the wing or fill the lane, he’s always looking ahead, pitching ahead, and trying to make people better.”
Harden has had a reputation of being a so-called bad teammate. He fired back at those accusations on Friday, but he and Maxey have been in sync ever since he arrived in Philadelphia. Now that Harden was able to get on the floor with Maxey, the two showed what they can do.
“We’re unselfish,” said Harden. “We just wanna win and you got guys from top to bottom where it just feels that way on the court, great things are gonna happen more times than not. Like I said, my job is to come in here and add to each individual player on this team.”
That said, Maxey has a lot to learn about playing with Harden. When he gets the ball, he can’t hesitate or think twice. He has to drive to the basket and make a big play when he gets an opportunity.
“Georges (Niang) doesn’t hesitate, so he’s perfect for James,” laughed coach Doc Rivers. “We were laughing, like Georges, he’s perfect. When it comes, he’s shooting it and that’s what you need. You need guys like that. I thought Tyrese, first play in the second half, he could’ve turned a corner, and he didn’t and we got on him. James got on him, and next play he turned a corner, those are little things we have to still, we have a lot of learning to do.”
The Harden and Maxey backcourt will continue to grow on Sunday when the team finishes a three-game road trip against the New York Knicks.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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