Tyrese Maxey has earned the respect of his teammates with his unwavering dedication, a trait that's become an integral part of the Philadelphia 76ers' success. The Sixers held their morning shootaround just hours before facing off against the Boston Celtics for the third time in as many weeks.
Maxey, who's often the first player to arrive at the gym during the offseason, witnessed something remarkable on Tuesday morning β his new teammate Justin Edwards already putting in work. Edwards' arrival 45 minutes before the scheduled start time sent a message: he was committed to making an impact.
The work indeed paid off for Edwards as he put up an impressive performance against the Celtics, scoring 22 points while going 8-9 from the field and 5-5 from three-point range. His efforts swung the momentum of the game in favor of his team, ultimately securing a dramatic win over their rivals.
In contrast to Edwards' on-court demeanor, which remains humble and reserved, it's clear that he feeds off the energy of the crowd. When his hometown team won against the Celtics, Edwards was visibly moved, screaming as the team took timeout and bursting with emotion.
Edwards credits his mother, Ebony Twiggs, a former professional basketball player, for instilling in him the importance of staying focused on his goals. "If he says it," she joked when asked about her son's performance, "he's going to get a beating."
Coach Nick Nurse has been Edwards' biggest advocate throughout his young NBA career. The Sixers head coach expressed unwavering faith in Edwards, saying, "I love him, I don't worry about him. He works extremely hard... he's a really good, developing young player that I love."
Edwards' rise to prominence is a testament to the impact of mentorship and dedication. His passion for the game is undeniable, and with Nurse by his side, Edwards has become an invaluable asset to the Sixers.
Tuesday night's win marked a turning point in Edwards' career, as he demonstrated his ability to make key plays on both ends of the court. While it's clear that Edwards still faces challenges, his work ethic and composure have made him a valuable player for his team.
As the season progresses, expect Edwards to continue growing into his role alongside Nurse, who has proven himself to be an effective leader in shaping young talent like Edwards.
Maxey, who's often the first player to arrive at the gym during the offseason, witnessed something remarkable on Tuesday morning β his new teammate Justin Edwards already putting in work. Edwards' arrival 45 minutes before the scheduled start time sent a message: he was committed to making an impact.
The work indeed paid off for Edwards as he put up an impressive performance against the Celtics, scoring 22 points while going 8-9 from the field and 5-5 from three-point range. His efforts swung the momentum of the game in favor of his team, ultimately securing a dramatic win over their rivals.
In contrast to Edwards' on-court demeanor, which remains humble and reserved, it's clear that he feeds off the energy of the crowd. When his hometown team won against the Celtics, Edwards was visibly moved, screaming as the team took timeout and bursting with emotion.
Edwards credits his mother, Ebony Twiggs, a former professional basketball player, for instilling in him the importance of staying focused on his goals. "If he says it," she joked when asked about her son's performance, "he's going to get a beating."
Coach Nick Nurse has been Edwards' biggest advocate throughout his young NBA career. The Sixers head coach expressed unwavering faith in Edwards, saying, "I love him, I don't worry about him. He works extremely hard... he's a really good, developing young player that I love."
Edwards' rise to prominence is a testament to the impact of mentorship and dedication. His passion for the game is undeniable, and with Nurse by his side, Edwards has become an invaluable asset to the Sixers.
Tuesday night's win marked a turning point in Edwards' career, as he demonstrated his ability to make key plays on both ends of the court. While it's clear that Edwards still faces challenges, his work ethic and composure have made him a valuable player for his team.
As the season progresses, expect Edwards to continue growing into his role alongside Nurse, who has proven himself to be an effective leader in shaping young talent like Edwards.