tyrese maxey

Tyrese Maxey: The Spark Behind the 76ers’ Unbeaten Start to the Season

The NBA’s early-season narrative has found a new protagonist in Tyrese Maxey, the Philadelphia 76ers’ dynamic guard whose explosive performances have helped his team surge to a perfect 3-0 record. From leading a dramatic overtime comeback against the Washington Wizards to being linked to early MVP conversations, Maxey is no longer just a rising star — he’s a driving force behind one of the league’s most promising starts.

For Australian basketball fans keeping an eye on the NBA, Maxey’s breakout isn’t just a Philly story — it’s a global one. With his speed, scoring flair, and clutch gene, he’s quickly becoming a must-watch player in a league increasingly defined by guard play. And with the 76ers defying expectations early, the spotlight on Maxey is only getting brighter.

Let’s break down the rise, the recent fireworks, and what this all means for the future of one of the NBA’s most talked-about young stars.

Maxey’s Heroics Seal OT Win Over the Wizards

On Tuesday, 29 October 2025, the Philadelphia 76ers pulled off a nail-biting 139–134 overtime victory over the Washington Wizards — a game that will be remembered for Maxey’s heroics. According to the official ESPN game recap, the Sixers stormed back from a 19-point third-quarter deficit, with Maxey delivering 23 of his 39 points in the fourth quarter and overtime.

This wasn’t just a scoring outburst — it was a masterclass in composure under pressure. Trailing late, Maxey took over, hitting contested jumpers, drawing fouls, and setting up teammates in the extra period. His performance ensured the Sixers remained undefeated, marking one of the most impressive early-season comebacks of the 2025–26 campaign.

“He’s playing with fire,” said one analyst post-game. “When the lights are brightest, Maxey doesn’t just show up — he ignites.”

The win was especially notable given the context: the 76ers were playing on the second night of a back-to-back, a notoriously difficult challenge in the NBA. Yet, Maxey and the young backcourt — including rookie V.J. Edgecombe — refused to slow down.

Recent Updates: From MVP Buzz to Backcourt Dominance

Kevin Garnett Links Maxey to Early MVP Talk

In a significant endorsement, NBA legend Kevin Garnett recently named Maxey as a frontrunner in early MVP conversations, according to Sports Illustrated. Garnett, known for his sharp analysis and high standards, praised Maxey’s leadership, scoring efficiency, and ability to elevate the team even when Joel Embiid is on limited minutes.

While MVP talk in October may seem premature, Garnett’s comments reflect a growing sentiment: Maxey isn’t just a sidekick anymore — he’s a co-star with top-tier impact.

Joel Embiid and Trendon Watford Return

Adding depth to the Sixers’ resurgence, both Joel Embiid and Trendon Watford were cleared to play in the Wizards game, per The Philadelphia Inquirer. Embiid’s return — after missing the previous game — provided crucial size and scoring, but it was Maxey who orchestrated the comeback.

Watford’s return also added much-needed frontcourt depth, allowing Maxey to focus on what he does best: driving, creating, and finishing.

Historic Backcourt Duo with V.J. Edgecombe

While Maxey stole the headlines, his partnership with rookie V.J. Edgecombe has been historic. Across the first three games of the season, the two guards combined for 186 points, according to unverified but widely reported statistics from NBA tracking sources. That total is the highest by a starting backcourt in a team’s first three games since the 1970–71 season.

In the Magic game alone, Maxey and Edgecombe combined for 69 points, including 40 of the Sixers’ 72 first-half points. Their chemistry is electric — a blend of Maxey’s veteran poise and Edgecombe’s fearless athleticism.

“It’s like open gym for them,” said former All-Star Isaiah Thomas, referencing their seamless two-man game (unverified quote, sourced from social media and fan forums). “They’re reading each other, pushing the pace, and just making it look easy.”

The Maxey Story: From Draft Pick to All-Star

To understand the significance of Maxey’s current run, we need to look back.

Drafted 21st overall in 2020 out of the University of Kentucky, Maxey wasn’t expected to be an immediate star. But his rookie year showed flashes — particularly in the bubble playoffs — where he stepped up in Embiid’s absence. Over the next three seasons, he evolved from a bench spark to a full-time starter, averaging over 20 points per game by his third year.

His breakout came in 2024, when he earned both NBA All-Star selection and the Most Improved Player Award — a rare dual honor that cemented his status as one of the league’s most improved talents.

Now, in the 2025–26 season, Maxey is playing with a new level of confidence and responsibility. With Embiid managing minutes (due to past injury concerns), Maxey has become the primary engine of the Sixers’ offence. His scoring is up, his assist numbers are rising, and his defensive intensity has improved significantly.

According to NBA.com, Maxey is currently averaging 32.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds over the first three games — numbers that, if sustained, would place him among the league’s elite.

Why This Matters: The 76ers’ Identity Shift

For years, the 76ers were defined by “The Process” — a rebuild centered around Embiid and Ben Simmons. But after Simmons’ departure and last season’s underwhelming 34–48 record (Maxey’s first losing season in the NBA), the team needed a reset.

Now, under new head coach Nick Nurse, the Sixers are embracing a faster, more guard-oriented style — one that plays directly to Maxey’s strengths.

This isn’t just about scoring. It’s about pace, spacing, and ball movement. Maxey’s ability to push the tempo, hit pull-up threes, and attack the rim has transformed the team’s offensive identity. He’s averaging 9.3 free-throw attempts per game — a sign of his aggressive drives and drawing fouls.

And with Edgecombe emerging as a legitimate second option, the Sixers finally have the backcourt firepower they’ve lacked for years.

For Australian fans, this shift echoes the evolution of players like Patty Mills or Josh Giddey — guards who thrive in fast-paced systems and elevate their teams through creativity and energy. Maxey fits that mold perfectly.

Immediate Effects: A New Contender in the East?

The Sixers’ 3-0 start has sent ripples through the NBA landscape. Here’s what’s already changed:

1. Rising Expectations

After last year’s disappointment, many wrote off the 76ers as a team stuck in transition. But with Maxey leading the charge, expectations are rising. Analysts are now discussing them as a potential top-four seed in the Eastern Conference.

2. Trade Market Implications

With Maxey and Edgecombe thriving, the need for a high-priced guard via trade diminishes. The Sixers may now focus on adding a