Embiid, Harden Praise Tyrese Maxey After Sixers Win vs. Knicks

Joel Embiid, James Harden, and other Sixers praised Tyrese Maxey after he was the spark that led to a victory over the New York Knicks.

Joel Embiid might’ve led the way for the Philadelphia 76ers’ Friday night win over the New York Knicks with his game-high of 35 points. But the third-year reserve Tyrese Maxey was the spark plug that fired up a Sixers’ victory in the second half.

Getting off to a slow start, the Sixers trailed 65-59 in the first half. While the team wasn’t clicking just yet, Maxey was efficient from the field, going 4-6 from the field and producing 13 points. 

As a whole, the Sixers were primed for a comeback in the second half. They just needed to lock down on the defensive end, a factor that always helps the Sixers find success on the offensive end of the floor. Maxey got the message and went to work.

“I think the biggest play that changed the game was that inbound steal he got for three,” said Tobias Harris. “That really shifted the momentum, the energy. All night, he was able to get into the lane, make threes, and he was great for us. Just that spark — that energy spark — he was in his groove tonight, so that just helped us out for everybody that really gained energy out there.”

“Man, he was locking,” De’Anthony Melton said about Maxey’s game, specifically on the defensive end. “He looked like a little Tony Allen. I’m glad he was doing his stuff on the defensive end. Tyrese is gonna figure it out. He’s got such a spirit that I’m glad to see him have this type of game.”

Maxey led the Sixers in steals on Friday night with three total. While the young guard claimed he felt like Melton on the defensive end, he was indeed himself on the offensive end of the floor after a rather tough stretch of games as of late.

“Just being Tyrese,” said James Harden. “We need him to be aggressive. Him coming off the bench, it’s different for him, but I feel like all of us we got to go into games, and our objective is to try to make the game easier for each individual on the team. Whether it’s him, myself, or Jo, if we come with that mindset as individuals, I think our team will be a lot better.”

While Maxey hasn’t been the best version of himself lately, the Sixers haven’t shied away from getting him the looks that he needs. As Maxey has proven through his first few seasons in the league that he can produce in big moments, his recent struggles didn’t cause the Sixers to move away from relying on him in big moments on Friday.

“We trust him,” Joel Embiid added. “Whether he plays good or bad, so we just got to keep putting the ball in his hands and keep putting him in positions to succeed.”

Maxey finished the night with 27 points in 32 minutes. He knocked down five of his eight threes, with four of those makes from deep coming in the second half. With a strong second-half performance, Maxey helped the Sixers put together a 119-108 win over the Knicks.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.