Tyrese Maxey Shatters Iverson’s Record, Sparks Sixers with Historic Season
The Philadelphia 76ers have long been a franchise defined by its legendary players. Names like Wilt Chamberlain, Charles Barkley, Julius Erving, and Moses Malone echo through the annals of NBA history. However, few resonate more deeply with the fans in Philadelphia than Allen Iverson. Known for his electrifying scoring ability, Iverson dominated the league during his prime, especially in the 2000-01 season when he averaged an astounding 31.1 points per game, earning him the MVP award.
Maxey’s Unprecedented Performance
Fast forward to the present, and Tyrese Maxey is making waves that could surpass even Iverson’s storied legacy. After 23 games this season, Maxey is averaging a career-high 31.5 points, along with 7.2 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and a remarkable 3.7 three-pointers per game. While Iverson had four seasons with averages exceeding 30 points, he only hit the 31.5 mark once, in the 2005-06 season. In contrast, Maxey’s consistent scoring and efficiency are setting a new benchmark for the franchise.
What distinguishes Maxey from Iverson is not just his scoring prowess but also his shooting efficiency. Iverson’s highest field goal percentage in a season after his sophomore year was 45%, a mark he only reached again during his stint in Denver. In contrast, Maxey has maintained an impressive shooting percentage of 46.7% this season, alongside a 39.1% success rate from beyond the arc.
Historical Context of Maxey’s Season
To understand the magnitude of Maxey’s achievements, it’s important to contextualize them within the franchise’s history. Analytics provide insights that reinforce his exceptional performance. This season, Maxey’s box plus/minus stands at an impressive 6.7, the best single-season mark for any Sixers guard. For reference, Iverson’s top box plus/minus during his MVP season was 6.1, a figure he never surpassed in subsequent years.
While win shares and value over replacement player metrics may not tell the full story this early in the season, Maxey is already making his mark. He currently ranks 27th on the all-time franchise leaderboard with a win share per 48 minutes of .189. Alongside Iverson, he is one of only two players in Sixers history to average at least 31 points and seven assists in a season.
Maxey kicked off the season with an impressive streak, scoring over 20 points in each of the first 21 games. This feat ties him with Iverson for the second-longest 20-point season-opening streak in team history, trailing only Joel Embiid’s recent achievement. Although Maxey’s streak ended with a quieter 14-point performance against the Milwaukee Bucks, the impact of his scoring cannot be understated.
Breaking New Ground in Efficiency
Maxey’s efficiency is particularly striking when considering that he is the only player in franchise history to average over 30 points while shooting at least 46% from the field and 39% from three-point range. To put this into perspective, no other Sixer has even averaged 25 points per game with such high shooting efficiency.
He’s also logging an impressive 39.9 minutes per game, a factor that contributes to his scoring but also underscores his stamina and resilience. Despite the physical demands, Maxey has remained a constant presence on the court, avoiding injury while other key players like Joel Embiid and Paul George have struggled with their health.
A Career-Defining Night
One of the standout moments of Maxey’s season came in a late November match against the Bucks, where he delivered a stellar performance, scoring a career-high 54 points along with nine assists, five rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. This display not only solidified his status as a rising star but also placed him among an elite group of players who have achieved similar statistical feats since the 1973-74 season.
Maxey’s dominance is evident, and while the Sixers may not be on the same trajectory as they were in Iverson’s prime, his ongoing performance is crucial in steering the team toward success in a competitive landscape. As the season progresses, it is clear that Tyrese Maxey is not just following in Iverson’s footsteps; he is carving out his own legacy in Philadelphia.
