That was a Tyrese Maxey show! 48 minutes of pure dominance in Gainbridge Fieldhouse crushing the home team, the Indiana Pacers. The game went into overtime, but it was a thrilling show for Philly fans. They watched the 76ers snap their two-game losing streak. And ‘Mad Max’ delivered when it mattered. Therefore, Philadelphia now has more than just Joel Embiid and Paul George to lean on in clutch situations.

Meanwhile, ex-NBA players Lou Williams and Chandler Parsons had a few words of wisdom for Tyrese Maxey. Given the fact that Sixers’ GM Daryl Morey has agreed with Joel Embiid‘s no back-to-backs plan, someone has to step up for the team. This is where the 23-year-old comes in, just like the last season. Speaking on Run It Back on FanDuel TV, Williams and Parsons explained how and why Maxey will emerge as the star and main man for Philly.

Let’s say Embiid misses a bunch of games. At what point do we say, maybe ‘This is Tyrese Maxey’s team’? Lou Williams stated that the 2023/24 season set this grand narrative. All thanks to Embiid’s absence in the playoffs due to his knee that brought ‘Fourth-Quarter Maxey’ into the main picture. “Maxey had to take more of a leadership role. He had to be that dynamic scorer, had to be the number one guy. And so now coming into this season, this is familiar territory for him,” said the player-turned-pundit. The 76ers started the season 0-2, so they needed a remedy.

Meanwhile, Chandler Parsons added: “PG and Joel- they’re getting older and they are banged up. They have injuries that they’re dealing with. So Tyrese Maxey’s the perfect young budding star who has their respect.” Tyrese Maxey went on for 48 minutes scoring 45 points and crucial 13 points in OT to silence the other Tyrese on the Pacers side.

Williams further noted: “So if I’m Tyrese Maxey, I’m not really playing second fiddle to anyone because I’m available, I’m healthy, and I’m capable of doing this. So if I’m him, that is my mindset going into it. This is my team until somebody tells me differently, especially knowing Joel won’t play back-to-backs.” Besides, Paul George has had his fair share of injuries and the team has to monitor them throughout the season.

So, it all comes down to Mad Max who has to go gun blazing; not looking around and back to see what anyone else is saying. Tyrese played and started 70 games last season and averaged 25.9 points for the Sixers. He undoubtedly stood out for the team in the most difficult games. The most important factor is Maxey’s availability and health which brings him up to the Starting Five in every game.

Tyrese Maxey’s commitment to the 76ers sets him apart among stars like Joel Embiid and Paul George

Tyrese Maxey is often referred to as the ‘Afterburner’ for two reasons- speed and agility. He is capable of leaving his rivals in the dust, and we got to experience it firsthand against the Indiana Pacers. The game that once looked far-fetched, was dragged into overtime. Then it was an all-Tyrese Maxey show. 13 points and a dedication to add points to the team’s register turned the tables for the 76ers. To keep up with such performance, Chandler Parsons believes, the 23YO guard needs to “continue to be aggressive.” Besides, he’s available. He’s playing every single game.

“Do I want him taking 3,2 shots? Five of 17 from three?” asks Parsons. “No. But again, you can see he’s pushing, he’s forcing a little bit, but he almost has to with what they have, with the product they have going out there now. So I think he’s gained the respect of these two stars [PG and Joel Embiid].” The ex-NBA player says he doesn’t need Maxey taking 30 attempts up but he needs to keep up with his uber-aggressive game.

But, Lou Williams who once played for Philadelphia 76ers adds that he wants the 30 attempts from Tyrese Maxey. “I’m not going to leave anything in the chamber. I’m not going to leave it to chance. And that’s what we saw in Tyrese Maxey.” A solo player cannot be the recipe for long-term success for the team. However, for now, this is the best option available as long as Joel Embiid and Paul George do not turn up from time to time.

Tyrese Maxey is ready to take charge of the 76ers. With Joel Embiid and Paul George facing injuries, Maxey steps into the spotlight as the team’s main scorer. His 45-point performance against the Pacers showcased his ability to dominate. Maxey’s health and availability make him vital, so it’s crucial to give him more game time.