"[Maxey] Just Kept Finding Everything" | Sixers-Raptors Game 1 Reaction

if they tried. Huge performances across the board. Tyrese Maxie was the headliner, but awesome stuff from Tobias Harris, Joel Mbad, James Harden and the supporting cast. We're looking forward very much to diving in to some questions from you guys. If you didn't hear our pre show, you can always send us a DM during this show, before this show, during any Sixers game, and we'll try to get to as many of them as we can as we go

through this space. If you have to leave early, this space will also be available on the seventy Sixers Insiders podcast feed, so make sure you're following seventy six Ers Insiders wherever you get your podcasts. If you ever arrive late, they'll also be there if you want to catch up on the first part of the conversation. But I'll stop rambling there. I'll welcome in. Devon Givens Matt Murphy, Good afternoon, guys,

Happy Sunday. I hope you've enjoyed some time with your families today, but let's talk about it Game one, Matt Murphy, what did you think? What's up? Miss Rosen? What's up? Devon Givens. Good to be back with everyone after a Sixers win in Game one of the first round against the Raptors, and what a win it was. The Tyrese Maxie Show drown contributions elsewhere, which we'll get into, but an unbelievable performance from the young Tyrese Maxie, finishing with

thirty eight points. He wanted forty. He didn't quite get there, but he did everything else. And when we were last on doing this show, we talked about him. We talked about his confidence, we talked about how he's not afraid of these moments. But nobody Devon could have predicted the show that Tyrese Maxie put on in game one. No, no, we couldn't predict it the way that it played out, And thank you guys for having me as always an

happy Sunday to everyone out there on this holiday. And yeah, the way that he put on the show on Saturday evening at the Center and the way he did it overall very efficient from the floor, knocking down his threes, the heat checking the third quarter because of how well he was playing, and going for that forty as well,

which would have been a career high. As you mentioned, it was really good to see using this speed, as we talked about as we previewed the game, using just playing off of everyone else, and I will dive into everything overall, but the way he was playing the game, feeling off his teammates and just seeing everything on full display.

We talked about it again, him not being afraid of the moment, going back to the Atlanta series in game six specifically, and that showed in a much bigger way even with him now on the SCAT and report as a starter, this is the part where we usually dive into the box score, so I'm going to do so. Thank you to everybody that's sending questions. Please continue to send them. We are going to cover it all. Matt Devon.

I'm going to let you guys give us your key takeaways after I read the box score, and then we can dive straight into these questions. So as I read these stats, please tell us what stands out to you. Send us a DM comment on the six or tweet, etcetera, etcetera. You guys know the drill. Let's talk about it. Round one, Game one, seventy six Ers Toronto Raptors. A lot of lead up to this game, a lot of chatter and ays surrounding this game. The Sixers blocked it all out

and got the job done from start to finish. Last night. Tyrese Maxie the headliner, thirty eight points, four rebounds, two assists. Tyrese shot fourteen for twenty one from the field, five for eight from deep, five for five from the free throw line. James harden A twenty two point, fourteen assist double double plus five rebounds, a steel and a block. James shot four for seven from deep, six for seven from the line. Tobias Harris twenty six points, six rebounds,

six assists, a steal, and a block. Tobias shot a very efficient for nine for fourteen from the field, three for five from deep, and five for six from the free throw line. And we cannot forget about the man in the middle making it all happen. Joel Embiid a nineteen point fifteen rebound double double plus five, four assists, rather and a block. Joel shot nine for eleven from the foul line. And we've talked about quite a bit. It was discussed postgame, it was discussed today at practice.

A quieter night for Joel doesn't mean he wasn't dominant. So we're going to get into that a little bit more later. Shake Milton led the bench with ten points and two assists, George Niang eight points and a steal, and then some solid contributions from all those who joined the game. The rest of the guys who appeared in this one, Danny Greene, Paul Reid, Mattisse, Thyble for concorkmas Isaiah Joe, we can talk about any of them. To send us a DM, let us know what you thought.

But without further Ado Devon gives you mentioned Tyrese Maxie. But when we look at the rest of the starters and the rest of the supporting cast in this one, is there anything that surprised you about how the Sixers came out in Game one? Just how fast they were And they've been talking all week about making sure that things aren't stagging, that the ball is moving, that's where

they're at their very best. And the way the ball moved, specifically in the first quarter putting up thirty five points, and the flow in which it seemed like they were getting it done. They had eight assists, aren't in the first quarter on their twelve field goals. So again, just sharing the basketball and trusting one another and following through

with what the game plan was against that defense. The trap was coming from a lot of different ways, and being spoke about it earlier in the week, where the ball is in the air and the extra man is coming on the help and that's exactly what they did. And as a result, and again we'll get into players

individually and how they did things. And you mentioned his impact despite not having a big statistical line against the Toronto Raptors, his attention out there and his awareness aware as teammates were when those double teams were coming was

clearly on full display. And I just I figured for me, just following through the game plan understanding what they did the offensive rebounds, of course, and to also protect the basketball the way that they did, to allow themselves to keep those extra shots that are needed in any basketball game. While they only had two more field goal attempts and the Raptors did on Saturday, they were all very important and to still shoot at a very high percentage and

also make your threes. That is what impressed me the most is that they got to They got back to Sixers basketball, which is sharing the basketball and trusting one another and everyone benefited from it. What Hey, it's Joe Conklin joined me for Conklin's comedy. United Parks Casino, the number one casino in Pennsylvania and the official local casino partner. If you are Philadelphia seventy Sixers, tune into seventy Sixers

games for special Parks Casino offers for fans. Watch all the action on the big screens in the Liberty Bell, gascro Pop or the Beer Garden, and come seeing me live with comedians from all across the country in three to sixty Parks Casino. Visit Parks Casino dot com for tickets. Must we only want to overgame, comic Gamble and We're going to questions and comments throughout the show, and we're

going to that next, but box score takeaways. As Lauren and Devon began to get into it a little bit, the one hundred and thirty one points in the twenty point wins a number that stands out from the team perspective. Maxi's thirty eight points, of course, that stands out limiting themselves the Sixers, that is, to four total turnovers against a team that turns opposing teams over so much in

the Raptors, super impressive showing. James Harden well Joel Embiad first zero turnovers for MBAD, and he talked a little bit about that post game about how he's not sure if he's ever had zero turnovers in his career against the Raptors, and I had to go a few years back to even find it. But it was in game one of the last time these two teams met in the playoffs, when he had a zero turnover game, but

it wasn't his best game and they lost. Just so happens that he had another zero turnover game in a strong Sixers win this time around, and James Harden with the fourteen assists, only had one turnover and to tie it in with Maxie as he starred on the night Harden's fourteen assists. My favorite, and I think the favorite of many, was the full court bounce pass from Harden to Maxie. It was electric, amazing pass, amazing finish by Tyrese Maxie on the reverse part of his twenty one

point third quarter. But a great pass and a really good job by the Sixers to value the basketball in a playoff setting that went a long way towards them winning the game. And that was maybe my favorite play at the game. The Harden pass to Maxie. It was otherworldly. It was one of the better passes I've ever seen covering this game, and at just the perfect time. We've talked about Tyrese quite a bit already, we will talk

about him more. I wanted to echo something to Van, said coach Doc Rivers after the game said pace was a huge factor. As I said before the game, pace is vital for us because I think the team is the team is small, and the bigger team has more pace, that bigger team becomes more powerful. I thought we did that tonight, and we rebounded the ball, which was big. We talked a little bit about what the key factors in this series would be rebounding, of course one of them.

The Sixers ended up taking a thirty nine and thirty six rebounding advantage. It was a little bit steeper at halftime, but I like what you said, Matt. The turnovers were absolutely huge. The Sixers limit themselves to just three while

the Raptors had eight. I want to go ahead and dive straight into questions, and I'm going to go ahead and take the first one that comes from Remy and I really appreciate as always folks that are listening internationally, So if you're not from around the Philadelphia area, let us know where you are from and where you're listening from. Thank you so much for tuning in folks like Remy, who says Hi, Lauren, Matt, and Devon. I stayed up until three am to watch the game here in France.

Zero regrets a simple question, how were the vibes between the players following the game and today at practice? Thank you? I just got home from Sixers practice. They had a film session and some media availability afterwards. If you want to know how the vibes were at Sixers practice, I think all I need to tell you was that Joel closed down practice by singing some opera vibing to some classical tunes, and he is a man of the arts. He is a refined gentleman, and we saw that today

the vibes were extremely high. Joel, of course joking around with his teammates, getting a little bit of flak for his musical choice. The vibes really all seasons, though, have been great, and I want to ask you guys about that. I should add that the guys are taking this extremely seriously.

Last night, I sort of tried to bait Tyrese Maxie into talking about his incredible performance, and he wasn't super willing to do so, considering that the task ahead is still really big and this could still be a very challenging series. Danny Green said this morning that the series doesn't actually start until someone steals and away games. So the Sixers held it down the way they were supposed

to last night. But they are very much taking on a businessman's mentality into the rest of the series, at least from what I have seen so far. That being set, I'm seeing some other questions. Chris and Sean, both new to Sixers Twitter spaces, both new to maybe Sixer's fandom. I don't want to assume, but the vibes are something we've talked about all season long. So, Matt Devon, I don't know if you guys have any specific memories of opportunities for team building. We talk a ton about it

with Joel and Bead and Tyrese Maxie. Now we've talked about it with Tyrese Maxie and James Harden. Matt, I know you saw a couple things in game last night that you really liked communication wise. So when you think about what stands out in terms of chemistry and how this team is building within itself outside of maybe singing opera together, what have you seen, Matt this season that stands out for folks that might be a little newer

to the Sixers family. I put, first of all, I put the Joel singing and dancing video in the space here, so if you're listening to this live on Twitter, you

can check that out as we go. If you're listening to the podcast version, I guess that would be in the future and we're in the past right now, which is that's wild, But seventy six Ers Insiders podcast feed and you can check it out on Twitter on Lauren's Twitter at Lauren m Rose and the MBAD video that is incredible content from practice and film, post practice, post

film the day after this game. One win. But to the question about the vibes and building them all season long and how they looked last night, one of our favorite things to talk about was George Niang celebrating his threes and his maid threes with the three fingers to the head, smacking his head celebration, and Tyrese Maxie did it, and Niang on the bench at the time, saw it and was very looked to be very excited about Tyrese doing the celebration, And I think that's a great example

of the rhythm that they were in, how good they were feeling out their play, and when you play such a clean basketball game and you stick to your scouting report and you execute so very well and you get a flat out phenomenal performance from a young rising star in Tyrese Maxie, you could look everywhere on the court at any one time and see some cool reactions and the chemistry on full display, including on the Maxie deep heat check three shake, Milton skipping down the sideline just

excited about seeing that shot go down and Maxie was in such a flow, such a rhythm that it was cool to see. But for me, the one that stood out was Maxie doing the Niang celebration in Niang appreciating it, but also Tyrese when he was on the sidelines returning the favor. So George hit one from beyond late and Maxi hit the gritty on the sidelines. So there was a lot. There was a lot to take in and

it was awesome. Worth noting that James Harden also in on the George Niang celebration and for those that haven't seen it, you should watch for it. George is going to hit more threes down the stretch. In this playoff run. He smacks himself in the head so hard after every three. I can't imagine that that's necessarily healthy for him, but it gets him hyped up and apparently it gets his teammates hyped up as well. Another chemistry piece I wanted

to shout out. The Sixers, of course, had four full practice days plus a shoot around heading into this game, so five consecutive opportunities to get some run in together. Continue building chemistry, which has been a huge theme since the acquisition. Of James Harden and on one of the practice days, Thurst Day, if I'm not mistaken, things got a little bit heated. Joel Embiid talked about it immediately

following practice. He said he locked to Bias Harris up to Bias, got really frustrated and that we the media should ask to buyas how that went down and to Bias. Then last night described exactly that practice, and he said, it's the best thing that this team can have is to be really competitive with one another, to be pushing each other. He said at the end of that practice they were ready to kill one another jokingly, of course, but that everything transferred over into the team group chat.

They were still fighting about that practice afterwards. So to me, that just shows how much this group cares about figuring out how to play together and then figuring out how to get better. And that's what this week has been all about. Devon, I don't know if you have any favorite chemistry moments or anything you've been watching for encourt or off court chemistry, but what have you seen from this group? I have a few f you don't mind,

I'll run through them quickly. To the terrorist Maxie, he checked part two possessions, in particular, when he was hot in the third quarter and he passed the basketball at shake, Milton gave him the ball back, and that was because it's just the cardinal rule of if you're hot, you keep feeding that guy, and you keep finding that guy and shaking. Milton was in the moment just like the fans were in witnessing that performance that he put on

in a third quarter. He also had a mismatch where he felt like he'd use his speed, but instead he decided to shoot the three pointers and he made them. So that was one for me and just a recognition of the team. He made an understanding what was what was the show and what was more important as well in that moment. Number two was another subtle thing for me watching Joelanbad for his entire career, he always on

free throws. If he's not at the free throw line or certainly on the blocks for a spot as a rebounder, he always goes back to the other end. And for me and him, I've always noticed that he goes back and very rarely does he acknowledge it. Where we all see it his teammate at the foul line or a good play and he's starting now to with Tobias Hairs specifically, I saw they point and they acknowledge each other after the maid free throw, the first one before the second

one is attempted. So that's something small for me as well. And off the floor, Lauren, I gotta pour you in on this one because of the podcast the Big Niang Theory, which is George Niang being able to have these really interesting conversations and have some fun with his teammates as a new person here in the city and with this organization and with these players that he didn't know much about, and to your point, as you always laid out, the

goal is to get to know his teammates better. He has done that and he shared that with everyone else. So for me, that is a team building thing that I feel like is important for this basketball team. And it was also important during the time where the saga was going on early on before the trade was executed, and needed to make sure that something good was going on, something good was positive happening, And I think that that was something for me that has helped out the season.

I did not pay Devon Givens to advertise the Big Niang Theory on this podcast, just now, but I appreciate it. If you are new to the Sixers community, that would actually be a great place to start. George Niang is a talented basketball player and an even more talented, in my opinion, podcaster. He's absolutely excellent. His podcast is The

Big Niang Theory with George Niang. He graciously lets me tag along and have conversations with some of his teammates to get to know each other better on and off the floor. The most recent episode features the person who our Next Question is about. But in case you need more incentive to listen, we so far have episodes with and Matt tell me if I'm missing anybody but fur concorkmas Tyrese, Maxie, Matise, Thiable Shake, Milton, Joel Embiid and

most recently, Tobias Harris. If you're a big fan, if you're a small fan, if you're new to the family, listen, get to know these guys. There's so much to love about this Sixer's team, and it's been an absolute pleasure to do that with George. And I think you're right, Davon.

I think it's helped in creating chemistry. And I also think that the podcast not necessarily helping greet the chemistry, but a testimony to the chemistry that they've developed, that they want to have deep conversations with each other, that George's teammates want to participate in this podcast to support him in something that he enjoys doing. It's been really cool. So follow the Big Niang theory wherever you get your podcasts. The most recent episode features Tobias Harris. It happens to

be my favorite episode that we've done so far. I love all of them, but this one really pushed me to think a little bit differently and I really appreciated that from Tobias. It showed exactly why he's been the leader of this team all season long and before this season even started. And Kelsey says, Tobias was on fire last night, looking aggressive and looking happy out there. I saw what you saw, Kelsey. Thanks for the note devon what stood out to you about Tobias's performance last night?

As always not thinking, just playing and doing what he does and once he got it going early the back door saw the one back Door played earlier on in the game, the communication between he and his teammates to get an easy bucket at the room knocking down his three pointers, aggressively going to the basket, six free throw attempts for him as well, and he was very active

in helping out overall. As he mentioned on Tuesday, the first opportunity we had to be at practice, he mentioned, like we all have about the glass, getting on the glass and helping out on the rebounding side so they don't have a bunch of off into rebounds. Well, he was battling and he had one offensive rebound that led to another bucket. I believe it was either Danny Green

three or Matista with three. I don't remember exactly, but he had an offensive rebound that led to a bucket for the team, and I believe that was the Matissa one Devon And I feel like that was such I mean, the offensive rebound plus the three from someone that you're not relying heavily on for three. Yes, that was honestly a really good look into how things were going for the Sixers last night. So I loved that. Sure, yeah, yeah, sorry,

yeah no. And he just helped out all around. And when you also look at it, he had a block out in the steel. Maybe not known for his defense, but I thought he did as good as his job as he could when he was defending Pascal Siakam, which he's honestly had a little trouble from time to time defending him. Thought he played him well. And Siakam is going to get his twenty plus. He's one of the best player on the team, if not the best, and

he's gonna get his. But I thought that Tobias hair is efficiently not thinking as doctor Rivers always talks about just trusting it himself to take the shots when they are there, and to have the confidence to see whoever was across from them and drive to the basket put the ball on the floor. So those things stood out for me. With Harris on Saturday, our friend Winona chimed in about Tobias, saying Tobias is a deep thinker. Tobias

is manifesting his understanding of his role on this team. Earlier, Winona said how many records did Maxie break or make last night? The answer to that is a few, I would suggest if everyone's not already following at sixers stats, there's a number of good sixer stats from last night's

game on there, including a bunch about Maxi. The most recent one before we started recording this is the one that comes from stat Head and Basketball Reference that Tyrese is the youngest player in NBA history to score thirty five plus points with zero turnovers in a playoff game. That is a really cool list to look at on the Sixers stats tweets, and also Mary asked about Scottie Barnes updates. Tough to see such a strong player injured.

I'm going to use this space to tie a G League reference in, But first Nick Nurse did in their media session on Sunday say that Barnes, in addition to Thaddys Young and Gary Trent Junior, are probably doubtful for Game two as of Sunday morning, but more updates there to come. Trent Junior is apparently a non COVID illness and Young left Game one with a sprained thumb while Barnes had the ankle situation. That was a tough replay

to watch. But I use that Nick Nurse tie in to the G League real quick because I wanted to quickly congratulate. I'm not going to take too much time here. The Bluecoats on a really good season. They did fall short the other day. The last time we folk, I ted up Game two of the G League Finals, so the Bluecoat season is over. They were the mid season Showcase Cup Tournament champs, but they fall in the NBA G League Finals to the Rio Grand Valley Vipers. And

here's where it comes in. The Vipers won their fourth title in their previous three. The coaches were Joseph Blair, a former Sixers assistant coach a few years ago, current Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, and current Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse. Those were the coaches of the Rio Grand Valley Vipers when they won their first three G League titles, and devon adjustments is what everyone says.

Everyone's been praising Nick Nurse leading into the playoffs, and they did win the championship a few years ago, and he's known as a tactician. Everyone's talking about how he probably stayed up all night getting ready for Game two.

But my thing is the Sixers executed perfectly. And I don't know if you feel the same way about maybe, like expectations of the Raptors adjustments feel a little bit overhyped, but there's only so much you can do, and if the Sixers execute their game plan, it's going to be tough for the Raptors to bounce back. But what what would the adjustments, the areas of adjustments be you think

for Toronto. Well, I think part of it also too is looking at how Maxie just had it going and seeing now how they'll they'll try to defend him and slow him down. I think that's one of the main things,

the things that they'll talk about. Joel and b will still be a part of the obviously the game plan as the focal point, but figuring out how to slow down Tyrese Maxie will be first and foremost of my opinion on the board for Nick Nurse and his coaching staff to see what they can do to limit his impact on the game, and it may not be thirty

eight points, but it could be something else. And just to be ready for m B to have that explosive game that many people expect, and also to now try to get out and get in the open floor and try to once again figure out how to get on the glass and get those offensive rebounds or get the rebounds in general, and just push it in transition because they weren't as strong in transition and that's how they want to play. They want to play up tempo and

use their speed against any defense. And if they look at the Sixers, they want to make Joel and b run So I think those would be a couple of those adjustments that they will try to make in order to get in beat on the move in the open floor, maybe tire him out a little bit, and the adjustment once again for Tyrese Maxie to not have the same type of impact. Credit of course to Doc Rivers for

his adjustments. Last night. The Sixers ran out a slightly different but consistent starting lineup that we've seen this season, with Danny Green starting in place at Matisse Tibel Paul Reid also seeing some questions about Paul Reid getting the backup center minutes last night, and it was cool to hear Joel Abiad talk about Paul Reid after the game last night, talking about how hard he works, how he's active, grabbing steals, having some blocks, having some big moments last night.

Doc Rivers talk last week, of course about playing smaller backup fives against smaller backup fives, Hence Paul Reid last night, Matt Murphy, you watched Paul Reid's career so closely, Annie asked about Paul Reid. I believe what were your thoughts about Paul Reid in last night's Game one performance and in really his first meaningful playoff minutes as an NBA player.

I think he did a solid job. And you know coming into the playoffs that it's not going to be the twenty minutes that he got in a couple of games down the stretch at the very end of the

regular season. Those minutes they're reduced because your starters are going to play more, and when Joel Embiat is off the floor, you want someone who can hold the fort, and I thought Paul Reid had an encouraging start to the postseason in helping to hold the fort when he was on the court, played eleven minut split his free throws, but made another shot to finish with three points. Did have four fouls, but you know, if you're playing ten

eleven minutes, it really doesn't matter. His aggressiveness resulted in a block and a steel as well, And that's what I talked about a couple spaces ago a couple of podcasts to go. Is his prowess, his rebounding prowess, His positioning is very good, his length is good and he knows where to put his body to give himself a chance at grabbing some boards. Had three rebounds in the eleven minutes, and I think his motor in such a short stint here and there is going to help this team.

And just a quick example before I turn it back to you guys, is I had the chance to be on the Detroit trip towards the end of the regular season, and that was a game that the Sixers lost, but Paul Reid got in maybe with a minute left, maybe with thirty seconds left, and as Detroit was dribbling out the clock on what was a big win for them at the time, Paul Reid was trying to rip the basketball away from whoever had it for the Pistons. As

the clock was winding down. Paul had his hands on the ball trying to rip it away with three two one second left in a regular season game at the very end of the season. And I think that's a great example of how he plays the game and how he sees the game. We talked about adjustments. Ab vie Berger, Thanks for your question about adjustments. Slvn K says, if James averages fourteen plus assists, they'll win this series in five or fewer. James Harden last night, we haven't talked

about him a ton. We talked about that crazy cross court up ahead assist to Tyrese Maxie, one of my favorite players of this season. James has said that he doesn't feel pressure necessarily going into these games, going into this playoffs his first run as a seventy sixer, but he's also talked about wanting to be considered one of the best players to ever play this game and win's life last night show exactly why he is a top

seven player in the history of the NBA. Let's not forget about how strong he was, how much he made his presence known, how much he helped find the hot hand. He talked about that post game, saying that when someone like Tyrese is cooking the way that Tyrese was cooking, his priority becomes making sure that Tyrese gets exactly what

he wants. Finding Tyrese in all the right spots. Fourteen assists, that's a game high, and that's going to be so key for this team down the stretched devon your thoughts on James Harden last night, He exists assist at this point, seeing him over the course of the twenty plus games he's played with the Sixers, that's to be expected. He's always looking for his teammates and they make the shots. Doctor Rivers talks about it all the time. We know, and it's great to have the point guard doing that.

But I wanted to highlight the fact that he was four for seven from beyond and it was really good to see that, considering that he struggled a bit since arriving here from deep on those shots and were a couple of stepbacks, and there were also just a few that were just sent to him in the open passing area where he was able to knock down the shot.

And as we've seen and as we've talked about both seeing it this week, him staying late at practice, being the last one to leave because he's working on the catch and shoot shooting. So that's something that hopefully continues to improve as the season goes along. And that was one of the things that really got to me was that. And also when he was going to the rim and get converting his layoups, a few of them I thought he was fouled on, but it's playoff basketball, that's whatever.

But he was looking for the layout, he was going for the shot and not worried about being fouled first. He's always had that in his career where he had the luxury of doing so. Now he's playing through it and hopefully the foul call is there for him after that. And then in fact, he played the most minutes in the game forty minutes in eight seconds, one turnover, one steal. The only turnover that he had was the late miscommunication between he and Tobias Harris as the game was winding

down before they exited the game. So I thought he played a really good overall game. The floor game was phenomenal, the shooting was on display, and it's something that as a high level player that he talked about his first time that we had a chance to speak to him and his press conference. This is what high level players do.

They figure out and make their adjustments as well, and I thought that he, based on the moment, made that adjustment of being at that extra shooter as well the extra scorer in general, because that's what the Sixers needed, especially with him being not having a big statistical eating Hardens pressor Lauren real quick, you're gonna like this. Swan Harden's pressor quote. For me, I'm not fast at all,

he meaning Tyrese Maxie is so fast. I've been trying to do a better job getting the ball and advancing the ball and pushing our pace just a little bit more with the advanced passing. We did a good job something we talked about as far as rebounding the basketball. We did a great job today. And he's running. You've got to reward him. He's a great finisher. He makes the right plays, so just try to keep him going.

That's Harden talking about the past to Maxi, and he first of all, for me, I'm not fast at all, he said, which was which was quite funny for sure. And another funny moment when James talked about the fact that it was his thirteenth playoff appearance this year, Tyres looked at him and said, wow, you're old. In a loving way of course, And then I thought about the fact that if this is James Harden's thirteenth playoff appearance, Tyres Maxie was eight years old the first time that

James Harden played in a playoffs. Now to see the partnership between the two, it's so cool the way that different generations of the NBA overlap. We saw a ton of that around the league yesterday. It's just such a fun time to be an NBA fan and a fun time to be a Sixers fan. Winona, a loyal listener, adds that Danny Green is invaluable to this team. I thought the way that the Raptors left Danny Green open

early was a really interesting choice. Danny, of course, didn't have his biggest shooting night last night, not at all. But leaving a guy like Danny Green open makes you extremely vulnerable when you think about the fact that just last week, when the Sixers and Raptors faced each other and Danny Green in the starting lineup, he scored six out of his seven three point attempts. So to me, if I'm the Raptors and I just saw that happen,

I don't feel great leaving a guy like Danny Green open. Matt, I'm not sure what you thought about Danny's performance specifically, but I wanted to open up the conversation picking up where Winona left off about the supporting cast last night. Absolutely massive. We've talked about it, Tyrese, Maxie, Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid, James Harden, in any order. They were stupendous for lack of better word, last night. But what did

you think who stood out among that supporting cast? Matt devon your thoughts, it's a good question, and I think when it comes to Danny Green, he would be a big time bounce back candidate for game two. I don't see him not making a couple, maybe one or two or more or more, because it seems like part of Toronto's game plan. And if they get creative defensively, I think the looks are certainly or more creative. I think the looks are certainly going to be had for the

Sixers Wings, and there's no way around it. When you get to game three and four, Matisse Thyble won't be part of the rotation. So Divon when we have this conversation about depth and bench players, that raises the question of do the Sixers you would expect Green to continue starting, but then do they go one player shorter in those games?

And I don't want to get too far ahead pass game two and you rely just on George Niang and Shake Milton and Paul Reid for the backup center minutes, or do some of the other Wings get an opportunity on the road, I think isn't a question. Maybe I'm getting too far ahead, and that's a question for our next spaces, But I think Green would be a bounce back candidate for Game two because it seems like the looks are going to be there for those types of players.

Sure Toronto knew was better, but I guess with all due respect, they went with, all right, let's if Danny hits the shots. Danny hits the shots, but we can't allow the others to really, you know, dictate how things are going to go with the other four starters. And it worked. It didn't backfire on them on Saturday, but to your point, it very well could on Monday and

game number two and even beyond. And as far as going a little bit deeper into the bench, I think it's more of a in the moment thing that that doctor Rivers and the coaching staff will look at it.

Because if you're looking at Niang, Milton and Read coming off the bench, I would imagine that for Concork, mis if need be, would get a call, but of course with very strict orders or a game plan of going out there and just playing his game and not trying to do anything outside of himself, and that's also a minute thing. I'd also be curious to see how they use Paul Read, whether it just be the the five minutes or maybe some four minutes as well, depending on

certain certain matchups that are out there. So I looked to that and those would be the adjustments that have to be made once they are in that particular spot. So far, you know, you just wear about game two, as you mentioned, but if when they are going to be without Matis Styble it there's a very good chance, based on how it happens, that you might have to go a little bit with for concorkmises a few extra minutes.

And just to answer to follow up with Lawrence question as well, was who else stood out of the supporting cast? That was Milton for me. Early on, he had the minutes in the first half, and he didn't have a really good showing, and he hit a three pointer in

the first quarter. I'm part of me three free throws in first quarter, but then he missed another shot I believe it was in the second he had a layup opportunity, and after he missed a layoup, which he typically does left hand on the right side, so it's not really traditional, but he makes those shots and max he was called

back in. Doc Rivers pulled shake Milton out and he went to the bench, and I watched him goes to the bench, and he was frustrated with himself and slapped his hands really hard as he went and sat down on the bench, and I was wondering when we would

see him a him. But he had seven points in the fourth quarter, and I know the game was pretty much out of hand, but not just his point production, but also, as I mentioned earlier, the recognition of Maxie having the high hand finding him there, but also being that extra ball handler and still being able to do the things that he needed to because he did make a three pointer, a big one in the fourth quarter

as the Sixers were on their run. So Milton stood out to me as the season progresses, starting with Game two on Monday, He's the one of the supporting casts outside of the starting five that stood out to me. Matt, I'm not sure what else you have in your DMS, But as we start to wrap this one up, curious if we want to talk deeper into the supporting cast more Maxie. I mean, we could talked about Tyrese Maxie

for days. I liked last night's media availability. Did we read Nick Nurse's comments on Tyrese Maxie, Matt Murphy, We have not. I have a few Nick Nurse quotes, and I'm sure this is one about you take it away? Yeah, you go go ahead, Well get us started with Nurse talking about Maxie because I think my stuff is not directly about Tyrese, no problem. So what I've loved seeing is sort of how opposing coaches have prepared for Tyrese Maxie all season long, and the way that they've credited

him for the way that he's grown. Remember Dwayne Casey when the Pistons were in town. Recently, coaches across the league, including Nick Nurse, have been really, really vocal about the way that Tyrese Maxie has grown this season. He talked about Tyrese's looks last night. He said, I thought we did some stuff. I thought we did a lot of that stuff in the first half. That was just on us. We just weren't We weren't connected defensively making the right reads on some of that stuff. It was too many

wide open looks. We're going to be moving around a lot usually sprinting out there too, a shooter, and he got a lot of those uncontested. He kept finding everything. He found transition, he found kick out threes, he found little pick and roll plays, heading downhill pretty fast. We just didn't catch up with him very well tonight. If you can't catch up with Tyrese, Maxie, you're not alone. He's one of the fastest guys in the league, particularly when he gets out on the break. We saw that

last night. Cool to see other teams and coaches and players around the league. I'm thinking about Jimmy Butler, who's playing right now if you're not watching, Miami is up eighty six to fifty eight against the Hawks currently in Miami in their Game one. But Jimmy Butler earlier this season said that Tyrese has sort of become notorious in

this league for his work ethic. Jimmy and Tyrese have never played together, but for Jimmy Butler, who is also notorious for his work ethic, to know that Tyrese has that similar vibe about him, that's a really really cool endorsement. And now you're seeing it all around. Really great to see Tyrese shine on a national stage once again last night or an international stage. Rather, when you consider the opponent, Matt what else did Nick Nurse have to stay postgame? Yeah?

On MAXI real quick. They just shot it so well as a team, Maxie five for eight from three. If he has that dimension, it's really hard to not only stay in front of him, but close out on him. And his game is just so multidimensional. And he's only in his second season and the leaps that he's made are so tremendous and so helpful to this Sixers team.

So over back to the Raptors press conference on their side of things after, I think the question was about rebounding and how the Sixers held their own on the glass. And it's a team that, in addition to forcing turnovers, a big talking point coming into the series was about how well they attacked the glass on the offensive end, really on both sides of the floor, and the Sixers

were able to do a good job. And if the question was about rebounding, Nick Nurse kind of got more general with it and heading into a Game two that is also going to be played at home for the Sixers, I think what he had to say is helpful because the crowd was into it and the Sixers need that home court advantage. Again, Nick Nurse said, quote again, I think their energy was tremendous. They had their guys ready to go, their home crowd, their bench guys all came

in with tremendous energy. They just played with great intensity and speed and physicality that we didn't match. And Devon was just talking about Shake Milton. He's one of the guys that came in with that energy. George Niang usually has it always and especially during a playoff atmosphere, and I can't agree more with that. I think that the

crowd played their role. Devon challenge them before Game one and there's not a lot that you can point to that didn't go perfectly or as planned for the Sixers. And now it's on the Raptors to try to get back in here in Game two. But it's another home game that sets up for the Sixers to execute their game plan and have the home crowd behind them. So that's that's a great thing to have the home court.

In the four or five game, they were ready. We talked about it, and Game one they came out ready and the Sixers gave them every reason to stay in it and to be excited the way that they were. The intensity was there, as you mentioned, it was matched by the players as well, and they came out and

just simply executed with what they needed to do. And I did have one guys before we get ready to step away, which was from window Ona and she mentioned the bench and would you agree that the bench was effective last night, Matt, And you just mentioned it that the Nick nurse talking about how the bench just simply came out, ready to go, ready to perform and to keep keep everything going that had already been started by the starting five, and they did just that, and it

was great to see that. It was great to see the energy. I always loved these playoff games when we're in the center they do the fans do a fantastic job of what they're doing in supporting their team, their players, and everything had happened, and it was also a scene. Darc Rivers was really calm yesterday and a lot of times we see him up and moving about and he was, but he seemed really calm in the game on Saturday as well. So I'm curious to see the adjustments to

game two, see how things go. Unfortunate that the players are doubtful on the Toronto side, but as basketball as a playoff, things happen and you just have to play through it, Lauren. Jeff just asked us a question to all of us, actually, but I'm going to throw it your way. Thanks for listening, Jeff. Can we attribute the resurgence of Tobias Harris to the Harden pickup? Is he just getting more open looks? Are also benefiting from the

spotlight shifting away from him? Curious if your conversation with Tobias on the Big Niang Theory, which everyone should download if you haven't already. George's podcast just featured Tobias as a guest. Yours and George's podcast Anything that shed some

light on his mindset posts Harden trade. Well, he's talked about it quite a bit when it comes to adapting to his new role with James Harden in the fold and I'm going to try to find the quote, but Tobias has said that his entire career he's had to learn to adapt, and last night he was able to put on display all of the work that he's put

in since the trade deadline. He struggled in that first week or so alongside James Harden, finding his role, figuring out where exactly he could be most effective for this team,

and we saw it in the weeks that followed. Much of it is on the catch and shoot, much of it is on defense, and last night was a culmination of sort of all the work that Tobias has put in in different situations in his career, understanding now how to adapt in this perhaps the most marquee situation in his career, and it's just been really cool to see the way that he's jelled and flowed. He's learned to do so with Joe LMB that is a process they've

both discussed. He's been he's been rather Tyrese Maxi's primary mentor since Tyrese joined the seventy sixers, and now we're watching him play alongside one of the best offensive players to ever do it in a way that also works for him. So to me, it's just further proof that when Tobias Harris says he knows how to adapt, he's learned how to adapt and he's comfortable doing so. He means it. Because it was shown on a national stage last night. Really cool to see Tobias someone who works

so hard. That's something we talked a lot about on the Big Knee, a theory trusting your work and being committed to your work is something that was on full display last night with Tobias Harris, and if you want to hear more about him, yes, that episode was awesome, really cool to get inside his head and learn how he's able to adapt at such a high level. A

few people brought up fouls. I know we're about to wrap things up, and I think Devon you might have touched on some of this earlier, but Teddy just said that they missed most of this space, So if you did, this will be up as a podcast on the seventy Sixers Insiders Fee afterward. But can you please bring to light the foul issues from yesterday? A lot of Raptors

fans are claiming we were playing dirty. Any thoughts? And then Genie also said earlier, I think Fred van Vleet getting fouls early and eventually fouling out helped the Sixers tremendously. I don't know, I mean, like when it goes the Sixers way, obviously, like the Raptors losing the game. Some of their comments post game were subtly towards the officiating in this game, free throw wise had ended up being thirty four for the Sixers twenty three for the Raptors,

But divine any final thoughts on that. I do think Genie's point is well taken about Van Vleet picking up the early fouls because he said as much that he wasn't able to play as aggressively, and maybe that impacts their approach against Tyrese Maxie because if he's able to play a little bit more aggressive against Maxie. I don't think that they were going to slow him down that much last night because he was in such a zone. But he did pick up a few quickly and then

later fouled out. Like Jeanie said, yes, he simply could not get into a rhythm after he picked up those two fouls in the first what fifty six seconds of the game, and Tyrese Maxie attacked him immediately and he gave up a layup to Maxie because he had to back off. So I'd expect him to be much better in game number two as far as that goes. The thing that bothers me about sometimes listening to what others have to say outside of the area when it comes

to their fan base is just watching the game. And my thing is always if the call was going your way, of course for your player wouldn't be an issue. And Joel Embiad is a big individual. He gets fouled a lot. I don't think the officials get together pre season and say Joel Embiad is a big individual, let's call every foul. No, he earns those foul calls because of how big he is and what he's doing to be able to use this strenth and all and the skill to get to

the spots and get those opportunities. So it's always tough for me because look, all NBA stars and let's just call this right now, Joel embi is a superstar. Superstars get calls, but he also works hard to get those calls, and that's just because of how talented and how good he is. Toronto Raptors have a player in Pascal Siakam that gets free drills as well. Scotty Barnes had nine yesterday before he left the game. And this is a young rookie who is just active and finding his way

into foul situations because of how talented he is. And sometimes you just have to, you know, foul based on how things are going, so we'll see how the officiating going. Nick Nurse says some things as well, and the officials get I'm sure he got their attention and for game number two, so we'll see how it all changes, if at all. But Joel Embe is gonna be Joel and b James Harden is gonna be James Harden. They're gonna

have their opportunities. Just enjoy the game. If it was happening on your team side, I don't think it would be a problem. Enjoy the game. Indeed, Game two tomorrow night in South Philadelphia. Once again, as Danny Greene said today, it's their job to protect home court. Series gets interesting and when a team steals a game, so hopefully for the Sixers they will take care of home court tomorrow night and then go and steal a game in Toronto for Games three and four later this week. Matt Devon

and I will be with you through it all. If you guys think of any questions as we go along or in game, you can message us as well so we can all jump off the top of the show with your questions. But as always thinks everybody that participated, if we didn't get to you today. We will try to get to you after the next six Ers win, which we hope will be on Monday night in South Philadelphia. Matt Murphy, Devon Gibbons. I appreciate you being here. I

love doing these with you guys. We appreciate all the fans who joined us today for this post six Ers win Twitter space presented by Bett Parks. Again if you joined us late. This will be available on the seventy six Insiders podcast feed, which you can follow wherever you get your podcast. Matt Devon, I'll let you guys fight it out for the last word, but that's it for me. Thanks as always, guys for listening. I don't have too

many last words. I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who's with us really looking forward to the rest of the playoffs and jumping on here after games and putting them out as podcasts and all that. And I I like the approach from the Sixers, Tyrese and Danny and everyone talking about game two because that's the right mindset to have, even coming off what was basically a

perfect Game one. It's all about Game two now. Thanks to everybody out there for listening to these as always, and I'll just play off of that the game plan. As you mentioned a few things that we didn't talk about, which I hope translate to game number two as well. The fast break points the Sixers were a plus nineteen twenty nine to ten. They were twelve fourteen with their chances the Raptors four for four. They like to get out in the open floor. The Sixers defense did not

allow that once Saturday. And also second chance points. When we spoke about the offensive rebounds ten to seven six Ers, it was six for twelve or seventeen points to the Raptors three for seven for seven. That's part of the game plan that was discussed. They executed it perfectly and everything may not go the same way in game two, three, four, or five. However, it was something that we needed to see happen. It happened, and it happened in a big way.

I hope it keeps going for game number two. Devon, Matt, thank you so much. We'll do this again soon, see you guys later. Thank you. Thanks everyone,