Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey is averaging 32.5 points and 7.8 assists per game through 14 games, prompting praise from teammate Paul George. George told The Athletic that Maxey has improved from last season and compared his impact to Allen Iverson’s influence on the franchise. Maxey ranks second in the NBA in scoring and is building a case for his first All-NBA selection.
George said he realized the extent of Maxey’s improvement during Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers. The forward watched Maxey’s performance from the bench and turned to point guard Kyle Lowry to acknowledge the guard’s development.
“I looked at Kyle, and I said, ‘Yo, Tyrese really got better,'” George told The Athletic.
Maxey leads the league in minutes played at just over 40 per game. His durability has been critical for a 76ers team dealing with significant injury issues. George has played only one game this season, while Joel Embiid has been on a minutes restriction and missed the last four games with knee soreness.
“He’s the heart and soul of this team,” George said. “This is similar to what Allen Iverson once did for the city. He’s our battery, and we’re witnessing one of them ones.”
Maxey is shooting 42 percent from 3-point range and averaging nearly five rebounds per game. The 76ers are 8-6 despite limited availability from key players. Nick Nurse acknowledged the team’s reliance on Maxey during this stretch.
“It’s evident how much we need him,” Nurse said. “The minutes are going to be there. They are going to be at around 40. He’s got to carry the load.”
Toronto Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic praised Maxey’s physical development and conditioning after Wednesday’s game. The Raptors trapped Maxey in pick-and-rolls and shaded help defense toward him throughout the contest.
“His body has gotten better. He’s stronger and more well-conditioned,” Rajakovic said. “I admire how hard he has played every single night.”