“I kept saying ‘I feel like something’s gonna happen’, I just felt it like in the air” - Tyrese Maxey reveals he found out about the James Harden trade through Twitter, says Doc Rivers cancelled practice that day
Before the NBA All-Star break, Tyrese Maxey was on fire for the Philadelphia 76ers in their last outing against the Milwaukee Bucks. He led the second-quarter comeback, which put Philadelphia in a position to ultimately go on and win the game as the score ended 120-123.
The youngster is playing an important role in the 76ers team this term, having started almost all the games he's been featured in. The 76ers are ranked 3rd in the NBA Eastern Conference with a 35-23 record as they look to mount a deep playoff run.
Maxey was a guest on the NBA Today show, discussing his growth and the team's prospects. The 21-year-old was questioned on how he found out about the James Harden Brooklyn Nets--Philadelphia 76ers trade, saying that before he read the news on Twitter, he felt like "something was going to happen."
"Coach Doc canceled practice, we had a scheduled practice for like 11 o'clock, he canceled it. So I was in the car with my mum, going home, she was in town and I kept saying I feel like something is going to happen. I just felt it like in the air. I told my mum something is going to happen. It came across my Twitter timeline. I'm scrolling freely and I'm like 'Oh shit happened!"
Tyrese Maxey reacts to James Harden commending his playing style
Former first-round draft pick Tyrese Maxey is having a breakout season, almost doubling his output from his rookie season. Maxey is averaging 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game this season.
The 21-year old is shooting 46.9% from the field, netting 6.3 of 13.4 attempts and 39.0% three-point accuracy, he had registered 30.1% in the previous season. Maxey had his best outing of the season in the 76ers' three-point win over the Memphis Grizzlies. He posted 33 points while completing three rebounds, eight assists, four blocks and a steal.
James Harden is a gigantic Tyrese Maxey fan 👏 https://t.co/5QIwQrc4xu
Maxey's response to the admiration and respect that new teammate James Harden has towards him was revealed on ESPN's NBA Today show. The point guard confirmed that the atmosphere between himself and Harden has been great.
Maxey then went on to share how Harden pulled him aside during the game against the Bucks and gave him some advice, telling him to be more aggressive. This advice appears to have been sound, as it played a role in helping Maxey and the 76ers secure the win on the night.
"That's a former MVP, I really appreciate him. I feel like I've known him for a long time. I've only known him for a few days, but he's been in my ear lately. Late night in the game, I think like he felt I was being passive early and he pulled me at the sideline and he said 'go be yourself'. And I tried to do that and it helped us win the game."