Philadelphia 76ers' Tyrese Maxey grabs spotlight with 38 in Game 1 win over Raptors

PHILADELPHIA — In the days leading up to the start of the first-round series between the 76ers and Toronto Raptors, the focus was on how effective James Harden would be against Toronto's long, switching defense.

In Game 1 on Saturday night, however, it was another 76ers guard who stole the show.

Tyrese Maxey's 38 points, including a 21-point explosion in the third quarter, helped power Philadelphia to a 131-111 victory in front of a sellout crowd of 20,610 at Wells Fargo Center. It was the latest emphatic reminder of just how far Maxey has progressed in his second season.

«His speed is a factor,» 76ers coach Doc Rivers said. «We know that we have to keep using him in space. Some nights, maybe he'll drive to pass. Tonight, it was him driving and getting to the basket and making shots.»

Maxey did plenty of that Saturday night, going 14-for-21 from the field, including 5-for-8 from 3-point range. While Maxey's speed was apparent last year as a rookie, it's his improved jump shot that has opened up his game. He went from a low-volume, 30% 3-point shooter as a rookie to a 42% shooter on over four 3-point attempts per game in Year 2.

On Saturday night, Maxey showed off all facets of his game, knocking down shots at the rim, tearing through Toronto's defense to get to the rim and getting to the foul line, where he went 6-for-7.

The Sixers typically play slower than their opponents, but Maxey helped key their transition game Saturday, as Philadelphia made a concerted effort to get out and run. There was no better example of that than when Harden hit a streaking Maxey for a layup in the third quarter, like a quarterback hitting a wide receiver on a go route.

«He's running, and you got to reward him,» Harden said. «He's a great