Maxey’s Grueling Challenge: 56 Misses, Million-Dollar Talent on the Bench

In a hard-fought game, the Philadelphia 76ers finally achieved their first victory of the regular season, overcoming the Indiana Pacers 118-114 in overtime. Tyrese Maxey played a central role, logging an exhausting 48 minutes and pouring in 45 points on 14-of-32 shooting. This performance featured five three-pointers from 17 attempts, alongside 12-of-15 free throws. Maxey’s output represents the NBA’s first 45-point game of the season, though the night was a testament to both his scoring prowess and his struggles with shooting consistency. Despite his heroics, the Sixers’ issues run deeper than a single performance, particularly with two highly-paid stars sitting out due to injury.

Maxey’s performance is noteworthy not only for his high point total but for the journey he took to get there. Throughout the game’s first half, he struggled mightily, scoring only seven points. It was a slow start that stretched into the third quarter as he missed 10 of his first 12 shots, and his shooting woes seemed to mirror his recent outings. Yet, just as the game looked as though it might slip away, Maxey broke out, racking up 14 points in the third quarter and another 14 in the fourth, ultimately scoring 10 of the 76ers’ 13 points in overtime to lead the team to a gritty win.

Maxey’s shot selection in the game covered almost every tool in a scorer’s kit: drives to the basket, pull-up jumpers, floaters, and step-back threes. The Sixers’ young guard was determined to carry his team, but his elevated scoring role exposed some of the growing pains that come with being the team’s primary option. After an offseason focused on building strength, Maxey’s increased ability to withstand physical play is clear. Still, the tradeoff has been an uncharacteristic drop in shooting stability, evidenced by his 18 missed shots on the night.

In the season’s three games so far, Maxey has already amassed 56 missed shots, a tough statistic that highlights his uphill battle to keep his efficiency up under the weight of a larger offensive load. The numbers are concerning for fans who have seen him consistently efficient over the past few years: across three games, he has taken a league-high 86 field goal attempts and played an exhausting 128 minutes, currently the most in the NBA. His effort represents a gritty, if inefficient, start. With averages of 31.3 points per game on a shooting line of 34.9% from the field, 23.7% from three, and 80.6% from the line, he sits at an uncharacteristically low true shooting percentage of 47.2%. In contrast, Maxey’s career averages of 46.5% field goal shooting, 39.2% from three, and 86.0% from the line illustrate the challenges that come with this season’s expanded role.

For Maxey, the sharp dip in efficiency comes at a critical moment for the team, as high-priced stars Joel Embiid and Paul George remain sidelined with injuries. Both players carry significant salaries—Embiid with $51.42 million and George with $49.21 million for this season—yet neither has suited up for the Sixers in these opening games. Embiid, facing knee issues, has been resting and has stated that even when cleared, he plans to miss most second games of back-to-backs to preserve himself for the season’s end and the playoffs. George, meanwhile, suffered a knee contusion in the preseason, which has kept him out of action with no clear timeline for his return. The absence of these two stars leaves Maxey to shoulder a scoring load well beyond his original expectations.

While Maxey’s determination is praiseworthy, the consequences of relying so heavily on a single player are evident. In their season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks, Maxey struggled with efficiency, shooting just 10 of 31 from the field and 2 of 9 from deep for 25 points. In the following game against the Toronto Raptors, his shooting issues persisted as he scored 24 points on 6-of-23 shooting, hitting only 2 of 12 from beyond the arc. Each game so far has tested Maxey’s ability to lead the Sixers in a way that extends beyond scoring alone.

The Sixers’ early-season struggles don’t only stem from the absences of Embiid and George. Depth issues have forced head coach Nick Nurse to experiment, rotating between Kelly Oubre Jr. and Martin as complementary scorers. Oubre has adapted well, averaging 21 points with a true shooting percentage of 52.1%. Martin, however, has faced a slower start, averaging 13.3 points on just 41% shooting from the field and 14% from three. While Oubre’s solid scoring provides some relief, the Sixers’ lineup is short on reliable scoring options. Maxey’s perseverance has helped carry them, but his early struggles with efficiency suggest that sustained success will require contributions from a broader cast of players.

The challenge ahead for the 76ers and Maxey will be navigating the season with this thin roster until Embiid and George can consistently contribute. Embiid’s recent statements on prioritizing long-term health over regular-season durability have sparked debate. Basketball legends Charles Barkley, Kevin Garnett, and Shaquille O’Neal have publicly criticized Embiid for his approach, viewing it as a detriment to fans who want to see the reigning MVP play night in and night out. In response, the NBA has launched an investigation into Embiid’s participation level, scrutinizing whether his limited availability is due to legitimate injuries or a choice to rest. The outcome of this inquiry could hold implications not only for Embiid but for the league’s policies on player rest.

For now, Maxey’s fitness may be the team’s saving grace. Known for his high-energy play, he is prepared to take on an enormous workload to keep Philadelphia competitive. Yet, the physical toll of such a demand comes with risks. Running Maxey into the ground during the regular season could have adverse effects on his durability for a potential playoff run. The last thing the Sixers want is for their budding star to burn out before the season’s end, especially with two veteran stars already dealing with injuries.

The Sixers’ season has started on a turbulent note. With a 1-2 record and uncertainty clouding their roster, this team faces one of the NBA’s toughest paths ahead. Maxey’s remarkable scoring performance against the Pacers may be a bright spot, but Philadelphia’s quest for consistency, health, and effective player rotation will define their journey. With talent on the bench but limited in-game, the Sixers face the daunting task of making the most of a season where nothing seems certain. The only question is how long Maxey’s endurance can carry them.