76ers’ Nick Nurse gives Tyrese Maxey endorsement that backs up MVP chants appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers completed a historic comeback against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Thursday. The 76ers erased a 29-point deficit to escape with the win, 114-106, and improved to 2-0.
Maxey led the furious rally, finishing with a game-high 32 points on 12-of-23 shooting, three rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
The 25-year-old guard was serenaded with chants of “MVP!” during the game, and coach Nick Nurse only amplified it with his praise.
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“Coming into this year, he seemed to take a level of confidence and maturity jump,” said Nurse, as quoted by ESPN’s Kris Rhim.
“It just feels like he feels so sure of what he can do.”
It was the biggest comeback by the 76ers in the play-by-play era.
Maxey had plenty of support, with Joel Embiid tallying 24 points and seven rebounds and Jaylen Brown adding 21 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. LeBron James contributed 17 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
Maxey’s steady improvement has been a joy to watch. He has increased his averages every year since the 76ers drafted him with the No. 21 pick in 2020. Last season, he logged career-highs of 28.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.9 steals in 70 games, earning his first nod to the All-NBA Team.
James admitted that Maxey was a big reason why he chose to sign with Philadelphia in free agency.
Maxey could be the sixth player in team history to win as MVP, joining Embiid, Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Moses Malone, and Allen Iverson.
The 76ers will face the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.
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