Tyrese Maxey, Sixers Prepare for Crucial Game 7

After a long and hectic season, there’s only one ‘Cat left standing in the Eastern Conference: 20-year-old rookie Tyrese Maxey. On Friday, he made a name for himself with an enormous 16-point performance to help keep the Sixers alive. Tonight, he’ll likely be called upon again in a do-or-die Game 7, with a trip to the Conference Finals hanging in the balance.

It’s a good thing he’s ready for the challenge.

To say that Maxey saved the Sixers’ season on Friday is not much of an exaggeration. With the play of known shooting liability Ben Simmons leaving much to be desired — and coming off an all-time collapse in Game 5 — Doc Rivers turned to the rookie to bring the ball up for much of the second half against the relentless Hawks. He rewarded his coach with 16 points, seven rebounds and four clutch fourth-quarter free throws, logging nearly 30 minutes of clock after playing a grand total of 19 minutes in the previous four games combined.

He even drew the assignment of checking Trae Young in the backcourt, which is one of the most unenviable places in America to be right now. He held his own thanks to his trademark high-energy effort, and earned his team a W in the process.

In an interview with the Philadelphia Enquirer yesterday, Maxey credited his father, Tyrone, for giving him the readiness mantra that he still uses to this day: “proper preparation prevents poor performance.”

Maxey explained his inspiration to the Enquirer: “I’ll never forget it, which is why I was in the gym every single day, every off day, no days off. Same thing tomorrow. Once you prepare properly, you build your own confidence. I think that’s how you really become successful.”

This mindset is more than evident in his play this season, which has been consistently excellent despite limited opportunity. Maxey was fourth among all rookies in scoring per 48 minutes in the regular season, trailing only the top two Rookie of the Year finalists, LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards, and Immanuel Quickley. In the playoffs, he’s jumped all the way to no. 1.

Going into tonight’s Game 7 in Philadelphia, you can expect to see a lot more of Maxey. Some are arguing he should start over Simmons (it’s unlikely to happen). The game tips off at 8 p.m. on TNT.

Whatever the result, you can bet Maxey will be prepared. It’s Fathers Day, after all — and dad’s advice should be fresh on his mind.