Tyrese Maxey’s latest playoff outburst made improbable Game 2 win possible BOSTON — Tyrese Maxey’s clutch performance in the fourth quarter of Game 2 propelled the Philadelphia 76ers to a 111-97 victory, sending the first-round playoff series back to Philadelphia tied at one game apiece. The 25-year-old guard scored 12 of his 29 points in the final six minutes, including two critical three-pointers, to secure the win against the Boston Celtics. The result marked a dramatic turnaround for the 76ers, who had struggled in Game 1 and appeared to be outmatched in the series. Maxey’s final stretch of play began with a pivotal moment midway through the fourth quarter. After the Celtics cut the 76ers’ lead to two points, Maxey drained consecutive three-pointers from the top of the key. He then walked to the corner of the court, his steely expression signaling his determination to close the game. Boston’s coach, Joe Mazzulla, later acknowledged the intensity of the moment, noting how Maxey’s focus shifted from his rookie teammate VJ Edgecombe to the broader team effort. Edgecombe, who had already delivered a standout performance with 30 points in Game 1, had done his part to set up Maxey’s heroics. By forcing Boston’s defense to prioritize him, Edgecombe freed up Maxey to take over the final stages of the game. The 76ers’ rookie also played a key role in getting Paul George, the veteran wing, involved early in the fourth quarter. This strategic adjustment allowed Maxey to capitalize on the Celtics’ defensive rotations, leading to his 12-point surge in the final six minutes. Maxey’s performance was a continuation of his impressive playoff run. Earlier in the 2022 postseason, he had dazzled with a 38-point game, complementing stars Joel Embiid and James Harden.#boston_celtics #joe_mazzulla #philadelphia_76ers #tyrese_maxey #vj_edgecombe
Quentin Grimes knows his role, and believes Sixers are 'scary' as postseason nears The Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes has clarified his expectations as the team approaches the postseason, currently tied for the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference with the Toronto Raptors. Grimes emphasized that his role remains consistent with the team’s needs, even as the playoffs draw closer. With the Sixers’ roster becoming healthier and the rotation more defined, Grimes’ contributions are expected to align with his established role as a versatile bench player. Grimes, who has appeared in 69 games this season, has started 19 of them. Throughout the season, his responsibilities have varied—sometimes as a primary scorer, other times as a key ball-handler or perimeter defender. However, as the team’s health improves and the playoff race intensifies, Grimes’ immediate focus is on maintaining his role as a high-energy contributor. “Same as the whole season,” Grimes said, describing his approach. “I come in and play my game, be in attack mode, be an on-ball defender, make plays for me and my teammates. The whole year, they’ve asked for me to do different things, but I feel like when the whole team’s healthy, I still play my same game that I have the whole year.” Grimes’ confidence in the team’s playoff readiness stems from the depth and talent within the roster. The Sixers’ backcourt, featuring Tyreese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, has become a formidable duo, combining speed, quickness, and shooting ability. Paul George, returning from a 25-game suspension, has been playing at his peak, while Joel Embiid remains an unstoppable force when on the floor. Grimes’ ability to provide energy and defensive versatility further strengthens the team’s profile. “Feels great,” Grimes said, reflecting on his recent performance.#philadelphia_76ers #paul_george #quentin_grimes #vj_edgecombe #tyreese_maxey
Philadelphia 76ers vs Utah Jazz: Game Preview and Key Players The Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz will face off Saturday night at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, marking the first time two top-5 draft picks from the 2025 NBA Draft—VJ Edgecombe and Ace Bailey—square off in a regular-season matchup. Edgecombe, the third overall selection, enters the game following a standout performance against the Sacramento Kings, where he scored a career-high 38 points and added 11 assists. Bailey, the fifth pick, has also been dominant, tallying 33 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals in a recent win over the Milwaukee Bucks without Giannis. The 76ers, currently in a strong position to secure a play-in berth, are also vying for a top-six spot in the Eastern Conference. However, the team faces challenges with key players sidelined. Joel Embid is doubtful due to an oblique injury, and Tyrese Maxey is out with a finger injury. This creates an opportunity for Edgecombe and rookie Justin Edwards to build on their combined 70-point effort against the Kings. For the Jazz, the game lacks playoff implications after they were officially eliminated from postseason contention earlier this week. The focus for Utah has shifted to player development, with Ace Bailey leading the charge. Bailey has averaged nearly 24 points per game in his last three appearances, showcasing his growth as a key contributor. The Jazz are also tracking the progress of Cody Williams, whose scoring average has nearly doubled in his past 10 games, reflecting increased confidence in his shooting and driving ability. Other developmental prospects include Bez Mbeng, Blake Hinson, and Andersson Garcia, who are competing for roster spots in the 2026-27 season.#philadelphia_76ers #utah_jazz #delta_center #vj_edgecombe #ace_bailey
