Tyrese Maxey's Historic Start Is Becoming Impossible To Ignore

One of the brightest stars for the Philadelphia 76ers is Tyrese Maxey. Maxey has been off to a tremendous start, averaging 28.0 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.8 rebounds.

But this isn’t about his averages. This is about what he’s done in the month of October. Maxey made history as the first player to have three 15+ points in the fourth quarter. Not only that, but Maxey also tied Kyrie Irving for the most fourth-quarter points in the month of October with 73.

Maxey has truly been the best player for the 76ers, and it’s not even close. What makes all of this more impressive is how he’s still had the ball in his hands for a large portion of the game. Even though LeBron James is the facilitator, Maxey still has the ball for a considerable number of possessions. 

It’s a stat like this that makes it even more emphatic that Maxey deserves some respect and be talked about as an MVP. In the fourth quarter, Maxey switches into another gear and establishes the pace for the offense. Maxey is averaging 11 points in the quarter and is shooting nearly 52 percent from the field. This isn’t anything new for Maxey, as he’s been clutching for the 76ers dating back to last season. 

Remember, Maxey was fourth in the NBA in clutch points scored.  This season, he’s on pace to eclipse what he had last year, as he now ranks third in clutch points behind Luka Doncic and Anthony Edwards. The 76ers have been struggling in halfcourt offense and that tends to be where Maxey excels. 

When he has the ball in his hands, he’s dangerous from anywhere on the court. What’s even better is having James on the team gives Maxey a chance to leak out behind the defense for one of James’ patented outlet passes. Maxey being free of the ball in certain moments has been a huge benefit to his play. With all the extra spacing, it’s given him a more effective offense. 

The first month of the season has been good to not only Maxey but the 76ers too. When you can get off to such a hot start like the 76ers, it can lead to a possible historic season. Plus, it can prove that this team isn’t going to be an easy out. Maxey has proven he’s more than capable of taking over a game if necessary. It’s what makes him such a reliable player for the franchise.