Tyrese Maxey takes the spotlight as Philadelphia 76ers crush doubts and controls game night | NBA News
Tyrese Maxey went off for 43 points, taking charge of the game and putting to rest any doubts about the Philadelphia 76ers early in the season. Even without their star center Joel Embiid, Maxey led the team to a 136-124 win against the Orlando Magic on October 27, 2025, helping Philadelphia achieve a 3-0 record and this is their first perfect start through three games since the 2019-20 season.
Tyrese Maxey’s 43-point night puts him among the league’s hottest backcourt scorers
Tyrese Maxey didn’t just score points—he took control of the game. The 24-year-old guard, now in his fifth NBA season, dazzled against Orlando with 43 points on 15-of-32 shooting, which included 4-of-11 from three-point range and an impressive 9-of-10 from the free-throw line.He also added eight assists and four rebounds in 42 minutes, finishing with a +14 plus-minus rating. Averaging 37.0 points over three games, Maxey’s second game scoring over 40 this season has made him the most exciting backcourt player in the league.What distinguished this was Maxey’s assertiveness. In his PHLY breakdown, Bodner noted how Maxey has been the aggressor this season, leading with his shoulder on drives to secure clearer shots at the rim, a shift from last year’s ongoing complaints about contact.During the first half, he dominated defenders for layups and fouls, scoring 17 points in the second quarter alone, which helped establish a 72-60 advantage at halftime.The spotlight definitely got brighter in the last few minutes. With the Magic closing in at 125-120, Maxey delivered a three-possession onslaught: a quick drive for a layup, a catch-and-shoot three following a VJ Edgecombe trap, and a little floater that led to an Orlando timeout and a 12-point advantage.Fans at Wells Fargo Center went wild with “M-V-P!” chants as he knocked down free throws, a moment Bodner referred to as one where “you felt every shot he took was going to drop.”
VJ Edgecombe’s 26-point night signals a new star rising for the Philadelphia 76ers
Adding to Maxey’s impressive performance, No. 3 overall pick VJ Edgecombe made a statement with 26 points on 10-of-17 shooting, along with seven assists and three rebounds. The 20-year-old from Baylor has scored 75 points in his first three games, setting a rookie record that reminds fans of previous stars.Edgecombe’s finesse masked his rookie status. He hit his first career pull-up three with a slick crossover dribble, spun into midrange jumpers that his college coach Scott Drew seldom allowed, and showcased a developing floater.Defensively, his chase-down block and a crucial steal in the late third quarter kept the leads intact. Bodner noted the duo’s great synergy, “Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey are not just thriving together… They’re carrying the offense [and] building a vision of the future.” Together, they combined for 69 points, 15 assists, and eight rebounds—numbers Bodner deemed “truly insane stuff.”
Tyrese Maxey’s leadership continues to shape the Philadelphia 76ers
The game was all about the sequences: Philadelphia kicked things off with a 12-0 run, setting the tone at 28-18 for the first quarter. Edgecombe’s dunk at halftime pushed the lead to 79-64, a solid 15 points. Orlando made a late push in the third to stay in the game, but Maxey’s clutch plays in the fourth, especially Grimes hitting three free throws after getting fouled on a three-pointer.As the final buzzer went off, Maxey’s incredible 43-point performance not only defeated the Magic but also silenced any doubts. With Embiid’s return on the horizon, the Sixers’ backcourt pair is paving the way, one thrilling play at a time. Philadelphia’s strong start shows they have what it takes to compete, demonstrating that having depth is more important than relying on a single player during the long NBA season.Also Read: Why New Orleans Pelican’s Zion Williamson missed the game against Boston Celtics
