Tyrese Maxey Appreciates Joel Embiid's Sideline Support Against Mavericks
On Monday night, the Philadelphia 76ers took on the Dallas Mavericks at the Wells Fargo Center, playing their second match back without the recently injured Joel Embiid, who is set to miss some time as he will receive corrective surgery for the lateral meniscus in his left leg.
The match itself was close for the first three quarters, as the two sides were separated by three points going into the fourth, with Dallas' Josh Green posting 20 through the opening 36 minutes, and Philadelphia's Kelly Oubre Jr putting up 17 points in that frame.
Despite this, the fourth quarter was anything but close, as the Mavericks ignited for 41 points, which would see them cruise past the Sixers, 118-102.
While the team struggled, if fans were watching closely, they could spot the reigning MVP on the sidelines throughout the match cheering on his teammates, something that recently named All-Star Tyrese Maxey is very appreciative of.
The 23-year-old explained that despite the gravity of his injury, the Cameroonian superstar is still being himself on the sidelines, cracking jokes, and providing the team with a lift in spirits throughout the team's recent rough patch.
"I mean he's been great, he was out there today laughing, he was making jokes, he was being Joel," said Maxey, "I remember coming out of the first time out, I'm trying to tie my shoe and they're saying look up and I give a five, and I feel someone grab my hand, and I was like 'Oh that's Joel'..."
The former Kentucky guard reaffirmed what Embiid's support means to him and his teammates, going on to state that he knows the All-Star starter is supporting them even when not with the team.
"It's good to have him out there to support us," said Maxey, "I know if he's not there, he's watching us for sure and we appreciate him, and we hope he gets healthy."
