3 Key Takeaways as Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey-Led New Look 76ers Oust Celtics as #1 Team in the East

The Philadelphia 76ers have turned their season around after parting ways with former MVP James Harden. Joel Embiid and Co. finally took the number 1 spot in the Eastern Conference standings after beating the stacked Boston Celtics team in a thrilling encounter. The new-look Philadelphia 76ers were led by 23-year-old point guard Tyrese Maxey and reigning MVP Joel Embiid in the 106-103 win.

Here are 3 key takeaways from the Philadelphia 76ers? impressive win over the Boston Celtics.

1. Tyrese Maxey is a future superstar

Tyrese Maxey has taken a huge leap this season after the 76ers trusted him to run the show as their starting point guard. Maxey is averaging a career-high 25.5 points and 7.3 assists so far this season. Even in the win against Jayson Tatum and Co, Maxey scored an impressive 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. His performance this year has saved the 76ers season and given Philly fans hope to make a run for the title. Tyrese is only 23 years old and is proving he might be the next superstar for the Philadelphia 76ers. He has shown continuous growth since getting picked 21st in the 2020 draft by the 76ers. Maxey averaged 20.3 points and 3.5 assists last season, which is an impressive stat line for a third-year player. But his performance this season might earn him his first All-Star selection and put him in the conversation of Most Improved Player. Maxey failed to get a contract extension with the 76ers before the deadline, but there might be a bigger deal in the books in the future, considering how he is performing this season.

2. Joel Embiid is still playing like the MVP

Even though Tyrese Maxey has come out as the rising star for the Philadelphia 76ers, it is Joel Embiid?s consistent performance that has helped the Sixers grab the number-one spot in the Eastern Conference. Embiid won his first regular season MVP trophy last season, averaging 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds. He has continued his MVP form this season as well and is averaging 31.7 points and 10.9 rebounds so far.

Coming off a season-high 48-point performance against the Washington Wizards, Embiid led the Sixers in scoring against the Celtics with 27 points. The 6-time All-Star has tough competition in the MVP race with superstars like Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic, and more performing at an elite level this season. But if Embiid continues his incredible performance throughout the season, he might win back-to-back MVPs like his rivals Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo. His performance will also determine how far the Philadelphia 76ers will go this season.

3. The end of the James Harden drama might win the Sixers a Championship

The Philadelphia 76ers put an end to the months-long drama between James Harden and Daryl Morey by trading the former MVP to the Los Angeles Clippers. The drama was bringing unwanted attention to the Sixers organization, and they were unable to focus on their goal of winning a Championship. Now that Harden is no longer Philly?s problem, the Sixers are ready to make a run for the title. They have the reigning MVP, Joel Embiid, who is in the middle of his prime and hungry to win his first career title. The Sixers also have a good supporting cast surrounding Embiid, including talented players like Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, and Patrick Beverley. This might be the year Joel Embiid and Co. end the Philadelphia 76ers? 40-year Championship drought.

Read More: ?I?m Not Retiring?: Ahead of 76ers Debut, Joel Embiid?s New Teammate Comes Clean on False Narratives

The 76ers are currently on top of the Eastern Conference rankings with 6 wins and 1 loss. They would look to continue their red-hot start to the season by grabbing another win in their next game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday.

Do you think Joel Embiid and Co. can win the Championship this season?

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