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The Philadelphia 76ers are on their way to their fifth playoff run in a row. Before the streak started in 2018, the team hadn't seen the postseason tournament since 2012. Every season, good or bad, has led up to this one, arguably the organization's best chance at an NBA title.
The Sixers finished the regular season with a record of 51-31, landing them in the fourth seed of the Eastern Conference. While it was a largely successful season, the winning record certainly didn't come easy.
MVP candidate Joel Embiid led his team through the trenches of losses and roster changes while keeping them focused through wins and success. The star center kept his team motivated and steadfast, but he isn't the one to watch in the first round of the postseason.
Sixers' X-Factor in the first round vs. Raptors
The Sixers' ride with Tyrese Maxey began when they drafted him 21st overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. “I thank Philadelphia for this opportunity, I promise you it won't be a regret,” he said through tears of joy.
Maxey was only 19 years old when he signed his rookie contract with the Sixers. Now only two years later, it's clearer than ever that Maxey kept his promise.
The young point guard out of Kentucky is Philadelphia's X-Factor headed into their first-round matchup against the Toronto Raptors.
Maxey's importance in the starting five
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All season, Maxey has played side-by-side with the Sixers' star Joel Embiid. His productivity was remarkable for a second-year player, earning him a spot in the Rising Stars Challenge exhibition game in February.
Shortly after, James Harden joined the Sixers' active roster, amplifying Maxey's gameplay even more. Maxey averages 17.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.2 rebounds each game.
However, his presence on the court is more than just numerical statistics. The 21-year-old is known in Philadelphia for his explosive offense. His quick gameplay juxtaposes perfectly with the slower style of Embiid and Harden, drastically throwing defenses off their game when the three are on the court.
His ability to come up clutch in big moments
Despite little experience in the NBA, Maxey has a natural ability to perform under pressure. There's no bigger stage for a basketball player than the NBA Playoffs, and the young point guard is ready to show the world what he's got.
Although he had multiple stunners this season, arguably the best display of his clutch performances is that of March 21. To set the scene, the Sixers were taking on the Miami Heat, the top team in the East, without Embiid or Harden in the lineup. Philadelphia was the clear underdog in the situation, but that didn't matter to Maxey, a young player hungry to win.
As one of the only members of the starting five available that night, he led his team to a triumphant 113-106 victory. He led the team in points with 28, along with five rebounds and four assists. Not to mention, the point guard was 7-7 at the line and had three threes, including two game-sealers within the final two minutes of play.
Maxey's presence on the court is absolutely electrifying and he can flip game momentum in his favor quicker than anyone. While Embiid will certainly dominate for the Sixers this postseason, Maxey is the one to watch.
