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The Summer Sixers had an impressive start in the Summer League in Las Vegas.
Led by Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers crushed the Mavericks, 95-73, in their first game at the MGM Resorts Summer League on Monday.
Here are four observations of the victory.
Maxey and Joe dominate
What should come as no surprise, the best player on the pitch was Maxey. The second-year goaltender, who carved out a role for himself last season, picked up where he left off. Maxey has scored a high 21 points – 19 in the first half – while showing everything that makes him an exciting prospect.
Maxey has displayed his entire game – making edge contact, playing solid defense, making 3s (3 of 6) and, of course, his patented float. In the second half, the Mavericks actually overtook Maxey… in a Summer League game.
If Maxey continues to shoot consistently from a distance, be careful.
Second-year winger Isaiah Joe joined Maxey in an impressive attacking offense. The 3-and-D perspective showed the “3” part in an important way. Joe went 4 of 6 from deep and registered 15 points in the first half. Joe’s first three were perhaps his most impressive on a nice wing pullback. He went out scoreless in the second half.
Maxey will have the chance to play an important role for the Sixers this season. The road to minutes is harder for Joe, but he’s got the makings of a rotating NBA player.
The third member of the Sixers’ 2020 Draft was a little calm offensively. Paul Reed, G League rookie of the year and MVP, didn’t do much to stand out in the first half on Monday. He seemed to find his way in the second half, finishing 4 of 8 for nine points.
Two-way player Rayjon Tucker was active as usual, adding 12 points.
Springer’s beginnings
It was a mixed start for first-round pick Jaden Springer. While the shot didn’t fall early, you got a glimpse of the traits the Sixers saw to make it their top pick.
At 18, Springer already has an NBA body and has a strong defensive instinct. As the game progressed you saw Springer play more freely. He made some nice pushes towards the basket, made some nice passes after shooting an extra defender and emptied a corner 3 on a quick break.
Springer finished with 11 points out of 4 of 12 in the field. He’s had four turnovers, sometimes trying to do too much.
Defense for the Summer Sixers
While Dallas didn’t have much offensive firepower outside of second-year goaltender Tyrell Terry, the Sixers’ defense stood out.
Whether it was Maxey in the passing lanes, Joe taking loads, or Springer’s solid ball defense, it felt like everyone was involved. Rookie Filip Petrusev’s second-round pick made his presence felt there, scoring three blocks. Reed also had four blocks and added three interceptions.
The Mavericks scored just 14 points in the first quarter and never looked fluid on the offensive end. They only shot 40.8% for the game.
No Bassey
There was one notable absence for the Sixers on Monday: second-round pick Charles Bassey. The Western Kentucky product was kept out of play by its agent, by Keith Pompey of The Inquirer.
Bassey has yet to sign his NBA rookie contract.
Frank Mason III (sprained right groin) also missed Monday’s game.
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