Fresh off being named an All-Star for the second time in his career, Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey led his team to a home win over the Indiana Pacers by a final score of 113-104.
Maxey was announced not only as an All-Star but, for the first time in his career, as a starter for the event—the first Sixers guard to be named a starter in 16 years. He celebrated by becoming the second player in franchise history to have 29-plus points, eight-plus rebounds, and eight-plus steals in a single game. Franchise legend Allen Iverson was the last player to reach each of those two accomplishments.
It was a career night for Maxey with regard to his steals as he eclipsed his previous high (five) with eight against the Pacers. As impressive as Maxey's continued offensive evolution has been, his growth on the defensive end has been just as spectacular, and continues to bleed into the rest of the team.
Over the years, Maxey has heard his critics in all aspects of his game and has continued to improve ways few, if any, thought possible when he was drafted 21st overall out of Kentucky.
Maxey's performance, alongside Joel Embiid (30 points), Kelly Oubre (18 points) and Jabari Walker (five points, six rebounds and four steals)—to name a few—led the way in a much-needed home win for the Sixers.
Philadelphia was coming off a back-to-back home loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers and has now returned its record at the Xfinity Mobile Arena to .500 on the year (11-11).
The team's home struggles have been a bit inexplicable, particularly for head coach Nick Nurse, but in tonight's matchup, despite a horrendous second-quarter performance, the Sixers clamped down in the second half, securing the win with ease.
The Sixers locked in defensively in the second half, outscoring the Pacers 63-49. Philadelphia overcame their third-quarter demons while maintaining their consistently strong level of play in the fourth.
Philadelphia got back to having fun at home in this game; celebrating Maxey and the win, of course, but Kelly Oubre playing his best game since returning from injury was a win. Jabari Walker thriving in this physical matchup was a win. And who will be able to forget VJ Edgecombe catching a body in the poster fans have been waiting for?
Philadelphia will run it back Tuesday night for the second game of a back-to-back, this time facing the Phoenix Suns. It's extremely unlikely that Joel Embiid will play, considering his appearance in this game and his apparent proclamation against back-to-back games, but it's best not to forget the mission amidst his run of good health.
Embiid isn't trying to win games in January he's trying to win in June. In Embiid's place, the Sixers will hope for the return of Paul George to give them some semblance of reinforcements against a 25-17 Suns squad.
