3 observations after Maxey (45 points) hammers through slump, lifts Sixers to OT win originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Sixers’ No. 0 saved the day and ensured his team did not stay stuck on zero wins.
Tyrese Maxey lifted the Sixers to a 118-114 overtime road victory Sunday over the Pacers, exploding for 45 points after starting 2 for 11 from the floor. Going into the game, he’d been shooting just 29.6 percent from the field and 19 percent from three-point range.
Caleb Martin had 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Sixers, who improved to 1-2 and will play the Pistons at home on Wednesday night. Andre Drummond recorded nine points and 17 rebounds.
The Sixers were still down Joel Embiid (left knee injury management) and Paul George (left knee bone bruise), which meant Maxey had to break through his early-season slump in heroic fashion.
Here are observations on the Sixers’ wild overtime win Sunday:
Much-needed hustle upgrade
The Sixers’ first few minutes did not suggest they’d flipped a switch.
On the team’s first possession, Myles Turner ripped the ball away from Andre Drummond in the post. Tyrese Haliburton’s second layup gave Indiana a 6-0 lead.
The Sixers had minimal offensive variety in the opening stages and didn’t put much pressure on the Pacers’ defense with drives into the paint. Maxey, Martin, Kyle Lowry and Kelly Oubre Jr. all missed their first attempt of the day from three-point range.
Eventually, Oubre and Martin started slashing aggressively and scoring inside. Martin has generally looked comfortable early this season initiating the Sixers’ offense in certain actions with Maxey off the ball. Eric Gordon added seven points off the bench Sunday in his first stint, too.
Compared to Friday night’s loss to the Raptors, the Sixers were strong in the hustle department. Guerschon Yabusele chased down a Gordon miss and dished to Maxey in the corner for a three that gave the Sixers a 23-16 edge.
Lowry drained a three with about 25 seconds left in the second quarter after Yabusele earned an extra possession by diving on the floor. KJ Martin beat Indiana to two offensive rebounds late in…
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