Player grades: Tyrese Maxey plays well, Sixers fall to Celtics in preseason
The Philadelphia 76ers began the preseason schedule on Sunday with a visit to where their 2022-23 season ended: the TD Garden. The Sixers took on the Boston Celtics with a lot less on the line as both teams look to prepare for the upcoming season.
The Sixers played without Joel Embiid, James Harden, De’Anthony Melton, and Furkan Korkmaz as coach Nick Nurse wanted to see what he has in other pieces. He knows what he has in Tyrese Maxey as the young guard went to work early and often in this one to the tune of 24 points. The Sixers did drop this one to the Celtics 114-106.
Tobias Harris added 13 points and seven rebounds, Patrick Beverley had 12 points, Jaden Springer added 14 points and five rebounds, and Kelly Oubre Jr. had six and four rebounds.
Here are the player grades following the preseason loss:
Patrick Beverley: A
This was classic Beverley in this one. He was aggressive on the defensive end as he was all over the place on that end of the floor while also taking advantage of his offensive opportunities. He knocked down a couple of triples as well which is a good sign. The only negative on his night was the three fouls he picked up, but that’s just from his aggressive nature.
Tyrese Maxey: A+
Maxey picked up right where he left off on offense. He was efficient from the floor, he was knocking down 3-pointers with ease, and he was knocking down tough shots as well. His speed was so helpful in this one as the Celtics really didn’t have anybody to stay in front of him. He didn’t turn the ball over and he chipped in four assists. He also had an early steal which he turned into a layup. That is something Nurse wanted to see more of with him which is using his hands and wreaking havoc in that respect. He was terrific in this one.
Tobias Harris: A-
The game began by the Sixers posting Harris up which is something that wasn’t used much in the past. Harris has good size and skill and it makes sense for the Sixers to use him on the block more often. He is such a rhythm player and it would be in Philadelphia’s best interest if they get him involved early. Especially, against smaller matchups like Boston went to in this one.
PJ Tucker: B
Outside of a really bad foul on Boston’s Payton Pritchard while shooting a buzzer-beater triple at the end of the first quarter, Tucker was his normal self. He was active defensively and he was making sure everybody was in the right spots. He looked good physically which is all the Sixers need to see. He didn’t play in the second half.
Paul Reed: C-
Reed’s mindset was in the right place in this one, but he was unable to capitalize on his looks on the offensive end. He had a tough time finishing over Kristaps Porzingis and his lack of size hurt him on the defensive end as well as Porzingis was able to simply rise up over him. He receives credit for being active on the glass, but he had a tough time finishing and he had four fouls.
Jaden Springer: A+
This was a terrific preseason start for Springer. He knocked down a triple with no hesitation, was active on the defensive end and he was able to mix it up underneath. He had an unbelievable block on Tatum when the Boston star tried to throw down a dunk and his energy was contagious. His work on both ends was terrific. There was a lot to like about Springer’s effort in this one.
Kelly Oubre Jr.: B+
There was a lot to like about Oubre Jr.’s outing. He moved well off the ball which is an underrated skill in basketball. He was able to find seams on the floor and be able to find open looks. He was also active on the glass and on the defensive end which will help him earn minutes on this team.
Danuel House Jr.: B
The veteran was solid on the defensive end of the floor. He was matched up with Celtics star Jayson Tatum and he made life tough on him every time he got the ball. He looked almost rejuvenated to be back out there on the floor.
Mo Bamba: C+
The mere presence of Bamba on the floor deterred Boston from attacking the basket as often as they did with Reed back there. A known shot blocker, the Celtics hesitated from attacking with him on the floor. On offense, he ran well and got good position around the basket, but he had trouble finishing in this one. He also had a missed dunk that his teammates will most certainly bring up in the film session to rib him a bit.
Danny Green: C-
The veteran looked a step slow on some defensive possessions, but he did knock down a triple and he knew where to be on the offensive end. He will have to knock down the 3-ball at a much better rate to earn a spot on the roster.
Filip Petrusev: B+
Getting his minutes in the fourth quarter, Petrusev showed off what makes him such an intriguing prospect. He has the ability to run the floor, have a nice touch around the basket, and he is an underrated passer.
Javonte Smart: A
On an Exhibit 10 deal, Smart played well in the fourth quarter. He showed the same skill he did in the summer league as he was knocking down open looks from deep and he made a lot of high IQ plays on both ends.
Terquavion Smith: B
Smith has a game that can translate to the NBA level. He just needs more growth and development. There is a lot to like about his performance in this one being able to aggressively get into the paint. He just needs to be more efficient with his offense.
Ricky Council IV: B
Also getting his minutes in the fourth quarter, Council IV was solid on the defensive end. He has an NBA-ready body and the right mindset that can help propel him forward. His activity was noticeable in this one.
