76ers News: Tyrese Maxey Speaks on Upcoming Matchup With Defending Champions
After picking up an afternoon win over the Houston Rockets Monday, the Philadelphia 76ers find themselves with a quick turnaround. They're back on their home floor again Tuesday night in a high-profile matchup.
Next up for the Sixers is a meeting with Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. This is the first meeting between these teams since Denver won the NBA title last season.
Following the victory over the Rockets, Tyrese Maxey was asked his thoughts about going up against the reigning champions. While he's looking forward to the matchup, he is aware that a game like this is a good test for them.
"Like you said, the defending champs are coming here so until somebody knocks them off or until somebody wins, that’s what they are," Maxey said. "So a really big test for us and a big home game for us and I think it should be fun."
Maxey played a crucial role in the Sixers' victory on Monday. He finished the game with 27 points and seven assists, including shooting 60% from beyond the arc. This matchup gives an opportunity to face off against another All-Star-caliber point guard, Jamal Murray.
Tuesday will mark just the seventh time in Maxey's young career that he's played against the Nuggets. He is currently averaging 22.5 PPG against them on 52.9% shooting from the field. Maxey had 29 points, four rebounds, five assists, and three steals in a loss the last time he took the floor against Denver.
Since it's the first time Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic will be squaring off, many will be tuning into this matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm and will be aired for a national audience on TNT.
