The 76ers took Game 1 against the Raptors thanks to a 38 point performance from Tyrese Maxey. There is a time limit.
In the days leading up to the start of the first-round series between the 76ers and Toronto Raptors, the focus was on how effective James Harden would be.
Another 76ers guard stole the show in the first game.
In front of a sellout crowd of 20,610 at Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia got 38 points from Tyrese Maxey, including a 21-point explosion in the third quarter. It was the latest reminder of how far Maxey has come in his second season.
76ers coach Doc Rivers said that speed is a factor. He may drive to pass some nights. He was driving and getting to the basket and making shots.
Maxey went 14-for-21 from the field, including 5-for-8 from 3-point range. The improved jump shot that Maxey has has opened up his game. He went from a 30% 3-point shooter as a rookies to 42% in Year 2.
On Saturday night, Maxey showed off all of his skills, knocking down shots at the rim, tearing through Toronto's defense to get to the rim and getting to the foul line, where he went 6-for-7.
Philadelphia made a concerted effort to get out and run on Saturday, as Maxey helped key their transition game. There was no better example of that than when Harden hit a streaking Maxey for a layup in the third quarter, like a quarterback hitting a wide receiver on a go route.
Harden said that he was a great finish. He made the right play. Trying to get him to keep going.
Philadelphia had many good things to say about Maxey in the series opener. The 76ers would like to see a burst in the paint from Harden, but he still finished with 22 points. He finished 4-for-7 from 3-point range, and much of that was due to his signature step-back 3-pointers. Harden had five assists and one turnover.
He was a physical presence inside, finishing with 19 points and 15 rebound, including four offensive boards, despite going 5-for-15 from the field. He had four assists and no turnovers.
It starts with me. They kept sending double and triple teams at me all night. Whatever is going to get us the win is what we are trying to do. I said it. I know how they think and how they want to play, especially defensively, so I think it is up to me to keep making the right plays, and I thought I was pretty tonight.
Philadelphia turned a lot of the perceived advantages for Toronto into advantages, as a team, with the help of 26 points and six assists from Tobias Harris. The Raptors were expected to control offensive rebound and turnovers, but the Philadelphia team had only four turnovers and held a 14-7 edge.
Harden said it was a great game for some guys and that the team did a good job of not turning the basketball over.
After taking the reins in training camp as the team's starting point guard when Ben Simmons didn't show up after requesting a trade, and then slotting in next to Harden, Maxey showed again Saturday how essential he has become.
Harris said thatTyrese is great.
He gets it. He understands that you put a lot of work into it. Tonight was a testament to that.
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