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Through eight games in the 2026-2027 NBA season, it has become abundantly clear that Tyrese Maxey’s MVP candidacy is a real possibility. The dynamic guard is fourth in the NBA in points per game at 29.1 and has led the Sixers to a 7-1 record and the first seed in a loaded Eastern Conference. Maxey is the only player in the NBA to have scored 25 points in every game.
Maxey has also been among the top clutch players in the early going, leading the NBA with 88 fourth-quarter points, 26 more than second-place Ty Jerome. This has greatly contributed to the Sixers’ perfect record of six wins and zero losses in clutch situations. This is one of the main reasons why the Maxey MVP case is so strong.
Tyrese Maxey’s MVP: Behind The Numbers
Going into the season, many predicted that the Sixers point guard would take a mini step back. With the additions of Jaylen Brown and LeBron James, the ball was not expected to be in Maxey’s hands long enough to take another step forward, and many, such as former player Shawn Marion, had concerns about this Sixers team. The exact opposite has happened: for the seventh year in a row, Maxey’s point total has increased from the previous year. Number zero on the Sixers is the clear leader and by far the best player on this Sixers team.
“It is Maxey’s team, 100% ” Brown said after the Sixers 126-107 win over the Chicago Bulls “Maxey’s been leading the way for sure.” If the best player is on the best team in the NBA, then that player is at least a first-team All-NBA selection.
Maxey Is Fun To Watch
If the Aliens showed up on Earth and asked for one player’s NBA highlights, the most logical choice would be to show them Philadelphia’s lightning-quick guard. The speed and explosiveness are among the best, if not the best, in the NBA, and the finishing ability is a work of art fit for the Louvre.
This year specifically, the Sixer star has excelled in the tween into a step-back three, which Maxey can bury from anywhere behind the three-point line, and has numerous times hit from 30-plus feet. With better and deeper shooting defenders, Maxey has had to guard the two-time All-Star more closely, which has opened up the driving lanes where Maxey drives in and either does an amazing finish or floats it over for a majestic-looking bucket.
The Kentucky product’s defense is no slouch either, as he intercepts a pass multiple times a game and leads the Sixers into transition. This was shown on numerous occasions against the defending NBA champion New York Knicks.
If polled on which Sixer player is the best and their favorite to watch, most fans would say Maxey; this is a testament to how Philadelphia’s 21st overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft went from a fun player to an MVP candidate, with the same style but a greatly improved one.
The Future Of This Season
The 26-year-old’s scoring will probably drop from the near-30 points per game Maxey is averaging, given the squad’s star power as his hot shooting could go a little cold for a bit. With that being said, it is clear that the homegrown star is the best player on this Philadelphia 76ers squad and, on any given night, can go for 40-plus and take over the game, just like on Halloween night, when Maxey dropped 38 points in the Sixers 109-104 comeback win against the Charlotte Hornets.
While Maxey may not win the MVP because what Luka Doncic is doing in Los Angeles is becoming historic, the Sixers’ centerpiece is surely a First-Team All-NBA player, and when clutch time calls, Maxey will be there to answer.
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Photo Credit: Bill Streicher, Imagn Images
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/tyrese-maxey-mvp-case-why-202828618.html
