In a recent performance that showcased both skill and stamina, Tyrese Maxey emerged as a formidable asset for the Sixers during their challenging matchup against the Golden State Warriors. His game-saving block against De’Anthony Melton not only turned heads, but also underscored the importance of conditioning in high-pressure scenarios, as emphasized by former 76ers coach Doc Rivers. Rivers noted that such explosive plays are often a testament to the player’s fitness level—both mentally and physically.
As the season approaches its one-quarter mark, Maxey remains unshaken by fatigue, a sentiment he shared leading up to their game against the Indiana Pacers. With an average of 39.9 minutes per game across 23 contests, Maxey leads the NBA in minutes played, a full three minutes ahead of his closest competitor, Austin Reeves from the Los Angeles Lakers. His recent performances have been nothing short of remarkable, including a career-high 54 points scored in a game where he played the entirety of the second half and overtime. In another game, he logged an extraordinary 52 minutes against the Orlando Magic, exceeding the traditional 48-minute duration of an NBA game.
Historically, the trend of players averaging 40 or more minutes per game has waned since Monta Ellis did so during the 2010-11 season. The expectations for Maxey’s continued performance at such a demanding pace may seem unsustainable, particularly with a coaching staff led by Nick Nurse, who is working to manage the heavy burden on Maxey by optimizing the usage of the team’s rotation guards.
Maxey’s physical resilience and high-level performance have put him among the elite, ranking third in the league with an impressive average of 31.5 points per game. Additionally, he contributes significantly on the glass, averaging 4.7 rebounds and a career-high 7.2 assists. His teammate Paul George praised him, highlighting Maxey’s unwavering determination and the inspiring effect he has on the team.
Nurse observed that Maxey’s relentless energy is partly driven by the competitive nature inherent in the Sixers’ current season, which features a 13-10 start. Instead of needing to be pulled from the game, it is often Maxey who insists on staying on the court, revealing a commitment to his role and his teammates.
This marks a continuation of Maxey’s previous season where he also led the league in minutes played. Nurse’s coaching philosophy often emphasizes high minute counts for his best players, a trend evident with former Raptor Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet during his tenure in Toronto.
Maxey’s workload might appear marginal when comparing figures of 37 and 40 minutes, but those additional minutes accumulate, especially considering his active role in orchestrating the Sixers’ offensive strategy. He has established himself not just as a scorer, but also as a defensive playmaker under pressure from opposing teams’ best defenders.
To maintain his performance level, Maxey has collaborated closely with sports performance consultant Alexander Reeser, who has crafted rigorous offseason strength and conditioning programs aimed at pushing Maxey to his limits. Known for his commitment to workouts that start early in the morning, he often balances on-court drills with significant recovery efforts—an adaptation he embraced last season to ensure longevity in his career.
Maxey has shifted his focus during individual sessions to more efficient practice strategies, concentrating on critical skills like passing and shooting form rather than expending energy on extensive movement drills. Nurse noted this maturity in Maxey’s approach, allowing him to roll into games effectively without intensive practice demands on off days.
Despite occasionally needing rest—something Nurse has monitored throughout games—Maxey often surprises with his insistence on staying in the game, even through extended stretches. Feedback from teammates like Jared McCain has indicated that while Maxey drives the team, there is a shared responsibility among guards to facilitate his efficiency during games.
As the Sixers refine their offensive strategy around their guard lineup, which includes Maxey along with fellow players VJ Edgecombe, McCain, and Quentin Grimes, there is hope that a fully healthy roster will help distribute the minutes more evenly. Despite some initial struggles due to injuries, the team is beginning to see a return to form, which could ease Maxey’s burden moving forward.
While recent games have tended toward tight finishes, contributing to Maxey’s elevated minutes, he remains undeterred. Following a lighter stretch in the schedule, he expressed a desire to focus on recovery, indicating his readiness to keep rising to the challenges ahead. As the season progresses, the Sixers and their fans will be closely watching Maxey’s ability to sustain this impressive level of play.
