CAMDEN, N.J. -- The new-look Philadelphia 76ers are 2-0 and have received huge performances up and down the lineup, but Tyrese Maxey continues to be the leader of this group.
Through two games, Maxey is averaging 30.0 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 50% from the floor and being one of the better defenders out on the perimeter. He was a huge part of Philadelphia's 29-point comeback win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday as he scored 32 points, but he also was fantastic on the defensive end as he picked up Cavs star James Harden full court in order to slow down Cleveland's offensive attack.
Sixers big man Adem Bona is in his third year as Maxey's teammate and he's been impressed with the 2-time All-Star thus far.
"He’s been amazing," Bona said of Maxey. "I mean, his intensity defensively and offensively, when we saw that last game, he was leading the team, pressing the ball, picking up full court. I think he's been awesome leading the team and also just dragging everyone with him, which is a great performance."
Leadership has been a key word for Maxey in recent years. He has been the one to gather the troops and make sure everybody is on the same page and understands what needs to be done. Even in Bona's rookie year when everything that could go wrong for the Sixers did and Maxey made sure Philadelphia was ready to play every night. Nothing's changed now even with the new big names around him.
"He’s always been like that," Bona added. "I mean, from year one, he's been vocal, trying to bring guys along with him. I don't think he was, like, less of a leader, like, my first year. I think he's always been a leader the whole time."
The Sixers will be looking to Maxey to continue leading the way as they grow into legitimate contenders.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers big man Adem Bona praises Tyrese Maxey for his work, leadership