Any Doubters Left?

     When James Harden left, fans were split. Some thought the move was excellent, bringing in good players and getting rid of an aging one. Others thought the 76ers should have worked it out. After all, Joel Embiid was coming off an MVP season, Maxey was getting more experienced, and Harden should have been able to finally gel with his teammates.  

    But Tyrese Maxey was the one who had the last laugh. Maxey was the one who sealed the deal. While James Harden could only watch in L.A., Maxey stole the show, silenced doubters, and stunned the NBA. 

    Tyrese Maxey was never considered a star by many viewers. Sure he was good, electric, fast, and had game-changing ability, but his numbers didn't prove it. Maxey had sub-10 rebounds and assists in every single season he played. Sure he had two straight seasons over 42% shooting from behind the arc, and never had a season under 30%, but he had only got a season over 20 points per game last year. Philly fans weren't opposed to trading him for Damian Lillard. 

 

    That must of fuelel Maxey, as he dropped 50 on Indiana. Maxey was on a terrifying run draining three after three and finishing with 20 field goals. When the dust settled Maxey blew up the stat sheet. He posted 50 points, seven threes made out of 11 attempts, seven rebounds, five assists, and three blocks in only 39 minutes!! Every single doubter in the Wells Fargo Center still clinging to the hopes of a Finals appearance with The Beard gave up. It was a pivotal moment, as Maxey not only earned a career high in points, but also changed the minds of the NBA world. Maxey's performance sent a message to Harden: "We don't need you."

    

Maxey was all smiles after a 50 point outing

Photo Credit: San Diego Union-Tribune
 

    Joel Embiid, desperate to not be forgotten, also put up 37 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists but it was Maxey's night. Tobias Harris added 18 points and nine rebounds. Harris is blooming without James Harden on the court, and is shaking off the drama with him and Jimmy Butler. Sure Sixer fans miss Butler, but they appreciate Harris's work ethic, and he is a fun player to watch. 

    The remaining question is: "Did Harden help Maxey become the player he is now," and it sure seems like Harden did. Maxey's step-back three is becoming impossible to defend, and Maxey is certainly better than in his rookie season. However, Maxey isn't un-guard-able just because of his step-back three. His layup high off the glass is lethal and his floater is becoming his signature play. Also, Maxey had brief moments last year where he shone, so its hard say that Harden taught him how to be a good player. Maxey had the talent all along, it was just stuffed away by Harden. 

    Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. This is your new point guard-center duo, and I'm excited for it. 

The above photo was taken from a San Diego Union-Tribune article. Photo is an (AP Photo/Matt Slocum). Image used for commentary.