The Sixers consistently struggle to find success. The news earlier today that Joel Embiid will likely make his season debut next Tuesday had everyone excited. The team recently welcomed back Paul George in the last game after a lengthy absence due to a knee injury. We will finally get to see the Big Three in action. Many thought so. However, that dream might be at risk once again as Tyrese Maxey suffered an unfortunate injury during tonight’s Clippers’ game.
Yes, Maxey was clearly favoring his right hamstring as the third quarter came to a close before the buzzer sounded. Indeed, he did not initiate the next quarter, and it became evident that hamstring soreness would prevent him from returning for the remainder of the game. If it’s a serious injury, it could further delay the Big Three’s debut.
Tyrese Maxey Leaves 76ers vs. Clippers With Injury
On Wednesday night, the Philadelphia 76ers paid a visit to Paul George’s former team, the Los Angeles Clippers. As the Sixers searched for their second win of the season, the team lost its starting guard, Tyrese Maxey, during the second half.
Reports indicate that hamstring soreness ruled Maxey out for the remainder of the game. He left the matchup as the Sixers struggled to keep up with the Clippers.
Prior to going out, Maxey checked in for a little over 30 minutes. His 13 field goals included six from deep. Maxey struggled to make the three-point shot. He knocked down just one of his attempts. Overall, Maxey knocked down five of his shots from the field. By packing on one free throw, the young All-Star produced 12 points on the night. He added one assist and one steal.
The injury didn’t seem severe when Maxey was walking off the floor. Considering the circumstances of the matchup, Maxey’s early exit could just be a precaution. However, the young guard will have to go through testing to find out a potential timeline for recovery.
Prior to Wednesday’s game against the Clippers, the Sixers fired up their road trip with a matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Monday. Maxey and the Sixers fought fiercely until the final moments. Unfortunately for Philly, they came up short in the end.
Entering Wednesday’s matchup, the Sixers were 1-5. A potential Maxey absence in the future further complicates the team’s slow start. Not only did Paul George miss the first five games of the season, but Joel Embiid has yet to make his debut.
The veteran center missed the first six games of the year due to knee injury management. Although he was healthy enough to make his debut on Wednesday in LA, Embiid is now serving a three-game suspension. His earliest return would be next Tuesday against the New York Knicks.
The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Sixers next Friday. We will be closely monitoring Maxey’s status. Tyrese Maxey Hypes Paul George’s Fit with Embiid, 76ers: “I can see the vision.”
Tyrese Maxey is feeling optimistic about the Philadelphia 76ers as they prepare to start the 2024-25 season with a new big three that includes Joel Embiid and Paul George.
Speaking to The Athletic’s Tony Jones, Maxey talked about getting comfortable with George on the floor after the nine-time All-Star made his preseason debut on Friday night.
“He’s pretty good at basketball. I can see the vision. I really do. My goal for tonight is to observe his level of comfort and strive to provide him with the most comfortable experience possible. It’s amazing to see what he can do on the floor. I wanted to try and sit back and watch and see how he fits in and see how I can help him fit in. It was pleasing to see him on the floor.”
George certainly looked comfortable with his new teammates. He finished with 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting (4-of-9 from three) and six rebounds in 26 minutes against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Due to roster changes, the Sixers must establish chemistry again this season, but the difference is stark compared to last year. James Harden’s desire to leave the Sixers stemmed from a disagreement with the 76ers’ front office, specifically president of basketball operations Daryl Morey.
There were also rumblings that Embiid might look to move on if the Harden deal didn’t work out and Maxey was unable to step forward. We now know that both factors worked in favor of Philadelphia. After averaging 25.9 points and 6.2 assists per game, Maxey earned a spot on the All-Star team and the Most Improved Player award.
The Sixers used the cap flexibility after trading Harden to sign George as a free agent this summer. It’s now up to the superstar trio, plus head coach Nick Nurse, to build their chemistry on the court to turn this roster into one that can be a Finals contender in the Eastern Conference.
One thing that’s working in Philly’s favor is that George has proven himself to be adaptable throughout his career. Last season, after Harden’s acquisition from the Sixers, he had his fewest shots per game (16.7) since the 2019-20 campaign with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Since the 76ers have Maxey as their primary ballhandler and Embiid is certain to get his share of touches, George doesn’t have to be the most dynamic offensive player. He shot 43.5 percent on catch-and-shoot three-point attempts last season.
If George can offer that type of production on the offensive end of the court with his usual stout defense, the 76ers might have the best trio in the NBA. The new-look Sixers will play their first regular-season game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Oct. 23 at the Wells Fargo Center.