Philadelphia 76ers star guard Tyrese Maxey wasn’t especially aggressive on the offensive end of the floor during Philadelphia’s 108-94 Game 3 loss to the New York Knicks on Friday night.
Despite shooting a very high percentage from the floor, Maxey finished the game with just 12 field goal attempts – well below his season average of 21 attempts. Maxey’s lack of output was a major factor in the ultimate outcome of the contest.
Tyrese Maxey Credits Mikal Bridges, Knicks for Limiting His Offensive Impact in Game 3
GettyCAMDEN, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 26: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers participates in media day at 76ers Training Complex on September 26, 2025 in Camden, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
After the game, Maxey discussed his passive play and gave credit to the Knicks for making things extremely tough on him over the course of the contest by consistently sending additional defenders at him.
“They just put two on the ball every ball screen. Every ball screen, every (Jalen) Brunson action, they put two on the ball, and I feel like I made the right play,” Maxey said, via Sixers Wire.
“I shot the ball well. I shot 8-for-12 and I had seven assists. I think I did a decent job. I passed the ball when I was supposed to. I shot it when I was supposed to.”
Maxey specifically singled out Knicks forward Mikal Bridges for his defensive impact. Bridges’ length and athleticism has frustrated Maxey throughout the series and consistently forced him to give up the ball.
“I think Mikal’s a great defender,” Maxey said. “I think he’s really good at what he does. I also think, you know, when you’re up on every screen and you put two on the ball every time, my job is to get rid of it.
“That’s just how you play basketball, in my opinion, you know what I’m saying? If I see two multiple times or I’m dribbling around the big and the big just keeps coming and coming, and stays with me the entire time. Pass the ball. I think that’s the right play.”
How Nick Nurse Plans to Free Up Tyrese Maxey in Game 4
In theory, Maxey is correct. When a player is blitzed, or doubled, giving up the ball is considered to be the smart basketball move. However, it also felt like Maxey passed up on a few open opportunities, which was noticed by Sixers head coach Nick Nurse.
“I mean, yeah, they are blitzing him a lot, which obviously is getting the ball out of his hands,” Nurse said. “I just watched some of the film with him, and he turned down a few, right?”
Moving forward, Nurse’s plan for freeing Maxey up offensively includes less ball screens.
“We have to stop sending so many ball screens for him,” Nurse said. “That’s, obviously giving them the opportunity to do that.”
Let’s see if Maxey takes a more aggressive approach offensively in Game 4 on Sunday afternoon.
Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey Explains His Passive Play in Game 3 Loss to Knicks