Sixers Bell Ringer: Virtuoso performance from Maxey, career night from Yabusele not enough in loss to Nuggets

In a high-octane affair that included a laundry list of highlight plays from both teams, the Sixers just couldn’t come up with the stops needed late.

Sixers Bell Ringer Season Standings:
Tyrese Maxey – 11
Jared McCain – 8
Joel Embiid – 7
Paul George – 7
Guerschon Yabusele – 4
Kelly Oubre Jr – 2
Ricky Council IV – 2
KJ Martin – 2
Justin Edwards – 2
Adem Bona – 1

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The Sixers, riding the high of a four-game win streak, welcomed the team from the mile-high city to town for a Friday night tilt with Denver Nuggets and reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.

The Sixers were once again without the services of Joel Embiid, Paul George, Caleb Martin, Jared McCain, KJ Martin and Andre Drummond. The Nuggets were looking to get back in the win column after their first three-game losing skid of the season.

The Sixers had a familiar face ring the bell for tonight’s game.

The first quarter of this one was a thrilling back and forth affair. The Nuggets got out to an early eight-point lead, but the Sixers quickly surged back to take the lead behind a 13-4 run courtesy of five points apiece from Guerschon Yabusele and Tyrese Maxey that was capped off by a Justin Edwards three. Maxey put in 13 first-quarter points to go along with eight from Yabusele to lead the Sixers. A buzzer-beater heave from Julian Strawther would give the Nuggets a 38-36 advantage after one despite the Sixers hitting 8-of-12 from beyond the three-point arc.

The second quarter was a lot of the same and would continue the high-octane contest. The Nuggets’ bench would continue to be a thorn in the Sixers’ side as Christian Braun and Julian Strawther would combine for 23 first-half points. Nikola Jokic did Nikola Jokic things and would head to the half with 13 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. The Sixers were able to stay attached throughout the second quarter due in large part to Yabusele who would add 10 more points to his first quarter total for a grand total of 18 at intermission. Kelly Oubre had a big quarter to go alongside Yabusele to carry the Sixers offense with 18 points of his own.

The undermanned Sixers, like they have often this season, struggled defensively to match up with the Nuggets personnel and surrendered 73 first half points. The Sixers trailed 73-69 at the half.

The offensive explosion continued in the third quarter. The Sixers were carried by 16 third-quarter points from Maxey who continued to wow with his elite shot-making and touch. Yabusele continued to cook in his matchup vs. Jokic as he put in another 10 points in the quarter to give him a total of 28 and a new career high. The Sixers struggled to contain Jamal Murray who began to heat up throughout the period to lead the Nuggets with 27 points after three. A Ricky Council IV buzzer-beater three over Jokic pulled the Sixers within three at the close of the quarter. The Sixers trailed 103-100.

Despite a herculean performance from Maxey and a career night from Yabusele the Sixers couldn’t get enough stops on Jokic down the stretch to pull out a victory. The Nuggets would snap their three-game losing streak with a 137-134 victory.

Time for the Bell Ringer.

Tyrese Maxey: 42 points, 9 assists, 15-of-26 from the field, 6-of-11 from three

Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

In a month of monster performances from Maxey this one may have been his best. From start to finish Maxey was in attack mode. The early season shooting and finishing struggles are far in the rearview now for Maxey. Whether it was getting to his patented step back three, showcasing fantastic touch and skill in the midrange with short jumpers and floaters, or blowing by defenders in a blur to the rim for a high array of difficult finishes, Maxey seemingly got whatever he wanted.

Coming off being one of the most egregious All-Star snubs in recent memory Maxey continued to show regardless of what the fans, media, or coaches vote he is indeed an All-Star caliber player and one of the best scorers in this league. In a season that’s been filled with drama and adversity the Sixers’ 24-year-old guard continues to be a shining light and bring hope to a franchise that desperately needs it. Maxey would finish the game with 42 points — 12 of Maxey’s points came in the fourth quarter as himself and Jokic traded baskets down the stretch. The Sixers will surely regret Maxey not getting a touch on either of the team’s final two possessions.

Guerschon Yabusele: 28 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 12-of-17 from the field, 4-of-7 from three

Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

Yabusele continues to show the Sixers that he is someone that they should not be looking to trade and rather somebody that they should be maneuvering in order to keep around long term. Yabusele, one of the best stories in all of basketball this year with his return to the NBA, poured in hyper-efficient career-high 28 points. Yabusele often defended by Nikola Jokic in this one made Jokic pay for his reluctance to leave the paint defensively and when he did Yabusele punished him with drives to the hoop for finishes at the rim. Yabusele, like he often has this season, got the Wells Fargo Center on its feet throughout with plays above the rim, throwing down thunderous dunks. Yabusele also continued to be the glue guy that he’s been all season by digging out loose balls, fighting on the offensive glass, playing with max effort defensively, and doing whatever it takes to try and help this Sixers team win.

Two great performances to pick from tonight. Let us know who you got.