Five years ago, Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard Tyrese Maxey made his first NBA start against a loaded Denver Nuggets team. Due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the Sixers, it was unclear if they would be able to play their scheduled game that afternoon. With Joel Embiid ruled out for the game and several other key players sidelined, Maxey had to put the team on his back.
"I think you can get 40 tonight," Embiid told Maxey before the game, a prediction that turned out not as crazy as it seemed at the time. In reality, Maxey scored 39 points in his very first NBA start, with 18 of his 33 shot attempts from the field. Despite the unusual visuals – two players on the bench and no fans in the crowd – everyone involved remembers how bizarre the day was.
The "Seven Sixers," as they came to be known, had to put together a seven-man rotation due to the outbreak. The team included Danny Green, Dwight Howard, Isaiah Joe, Dakota Mathias, Paul Reed, Tony Bradley, and Brad Wanamaker, with Maxey being the only ball-handler available for most of the game.
Green, who played alongside Maxey during his first two seasons in Philadelphia, said that it was hard to imagine how bizarre that day would be five years later. "It's crazy," Green laughed. "He just needed the opportunity." Green pointed out that Rivers developed Rajon Rondo into a star floor general with tough coaching and that he wanted to ensure Maxey didn't lose his authentic self amid intense pressure.
Maxey credits not just Rivers but also Embiid, Harris, Harden, current mentor Kyle Lowry, and many others for keeping him grounded. He says the experience was difficult but also helped him respect the game even more. "Every single day, I was learning a lot, man," Maxey said. "I was learning from everybody."
Five years later, Maxey is an NBA superstar, averaging well over 30 points per game and having 14 separate 40-point outbursts to his name, including his playoff masterclass that saved the Sixers' season. His three-point shooting development has changed his trajectory and shot diet, with ridiculous rim finishes and dazzling pull-up triples.
Despite the journey, Maxey's smile persists. It is one of the many ways he's become open about the struggles that came with being a rookie in a tough situation. "I'm just blessed to be here," Maxey said. "It's just a blessing to be here."
"I think you can get 40 tonight," Embiid told Maxey before the game, a prediction that turned out not as crazy as it seemed at the time. In reality, Maxey scored 39 points in his very first NBA start, with 18 of his 33 shot attempts from the field. Despite the unusual visuals – two players on the bench and no fans in the crowd – everyone involved remembers how bizarre the day was.
The "Seven Sixers," as they came to be known, had to put together a seven-man rotation due to the outbreak. The team included Danny Green, Dwight Howard, Isaiah Joe, Dakota Mathias, Paul Reed, Tony Bradley, and Brad Wanamaker, with Maxey being the only ball-handler available for most of the game.
Green, who played alongside Maxey during his first two seasons in Philadelphia, said that it was hard to imagine how bizarre that day would be five years later. "It's crazy," Green laughed. "He just needed the opportunity." Green pointed out that Rivers developed Rajon Rondo into a star floor general with tough coaching and that he wanted to ensure Maxey didn't lose his authentic self amid intense pressure.
Maxey credits not just Rivers but also Embiid, Harris, Harden, current mentor Kyle Lowry, and many others for keeping him grounded. He says the experience was difficult but also helped him respect the game even more. "Every single day, I was learning a lot, man," Maxey said. "I was learning from everybody."
Five years later, Maxey is an NBA superstar, averaging well over 30 points per game and having 14 separate 40-point outbursts to his name, including his playoff masterclass that saved the Sixers' season. His three-point shooting development has changed his trajectory and shot diet, with ridiculous rim finishes and dazzling pull-up triples.
Despite the journey, Maxey's smile persists. It is one of the many ways he's become open about the struggles that came with being a rookie in a tough situation. "I'm just blessed to be here," Maxey said. "It's just a blessing to be here."
! Five yrs ago, he had 2 put all on his back after Covid forced out most of the team & Embiid 
. He ended up scoring 39pts in his 1st NBA start 
& now he's an NBA superstar averaging 30+ pts per game 
. What's crazy is how far he's come from that weird, COVID-ridden game 
. Rivers & Embiid were like "we got u" 
& it paid off big time 
. Maxey's still humble & open about the struggles he faced as a rookie 
. He's literally blessed 2 b where he is today 
.
He was literally expected to carry the team on his back due to all the injuries and then he goes out there and drops 39 points in his first start. That's insane! 
Five years ago he was literally put on the spot and still managed to kill it on his first NBA start 
The fact that he got 39 points is insane, but what's even crazier is how far he's come since then 
. He's just so inspiring, you know? 
I mean, can you even imagine having to start for your team like Tyrese Maxey did 5 yrs ago? 
Like, no fans in the crowd and only 7 guys on the roster? 
What I love about him is how humble he stays despite all his success. He gives props to coach Rivers for keeping him grounded and not losing himself amidst all the pressure. That's what it's all about - being true to yourself while chasing your dreams 
️! IT'S REALLY COOL TO SEE HOW THOSE EARLY EXPERIENCES HELPED HIM DEVELOP INTO THE PLAYER WE KNOW TODAY. I MEAN, 40-POINT GAMES WEREN'T JUST A FLUKE BACK THEN, AND IT SAYS A LOT ABOUT HIS WORK ETHIC AND RESILIENCE. ALSO, IT'S PRETTY COOL TO SEE HOW THOSE EARLY GUYS LIKE RIVERS AND EMBIID HELPED HIM OUT AND KEEP HIM REAL 
️
! COVID-19 outbreak and all, he went from benchwarmer to hero 
, but it's clear that Philly's got another superstar 
. His smile remains bright 
, and so does his game 
. Can't wait to see what the future holds 
!
! I'm loving how he credits Rivers for keeping him grounded amidst all that pressure 
. He's literally become one of the top players in the league and it's amazing to see him stay humble and grateful 
I mean, think about it... The Sixers had to create this seven-man rotation with like, nobody on the bench... And Maxey is expected to carry the team because of COVID and Embiid being out... It sounds kinda fishy, you know? Like, they wanted to see what their young rookie could do under pressure. 
But at the same time, it's cool that he rose to the challenge. I mean, 39 points in his first start? That's pretty impressive! 
and he had to step up 2 the plate 
, but ppl r forgettin that he didnt do it alone 
, it was his coaches like Doc Rivers who saw somethin in him n gave him a chance 2 shine 
. we need more players like this in the league! 
. The way Joel Embiid saw potential in him back then is so inspiring 
to now averaging over 30 and being an nba superstar? how did he get there? 
and btw, where's the source on maxey's current stats? didn't see any link to back it up
! He scored 39 points in his debut game and now he's a superstar 
averaging over 30 points per game!
. And it shows in his stats and shot selection - that three-point shooting is straight fire 
who just happens to be one of the best guards in the league