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Player grades: Tyrese Maxey leads Sixers over Knicks in Cup opener
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- Player grades: Tyrese Maxey leads Sixers over Knicks in Cup opener
PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers played host to the New York Knicks on Friday to open NBA Cup play as they were looking to get off on the right foot in Group B play. The Sixers were missing Jaylen Brown due to a left knee issue and it was going to be a challenge against the defending champions at home.
Despite missing Brown, the Sixers led for most of the way and they held a double-digit lead as they were able to rely on strong defense as well as crisp ball movement. Led by Tyrese Maxey, who scored 27 points along with four rebounds and four assists, the Sixers were able to knock off the Knicks by a score of 98-93 to open the NBA Cup.
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LeBron James added 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, Joel Embiid had 10 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds, and VJ Edgecombe added 13 points and eight rebounds. Anfernee Simons hopped off the bench and poured in 21 huge points.
Here are the player grades following the win:
Tyrese Maxey: A
The defense Maxey played in this one was impressive. He was all over the place on that end and really bothered the Knicks on the perimeter. He was terrific against Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby while also being a real factor offensively, as he was putting his head down, getting to the basket, and finding ways to keep the scoreboard moving for Philadelphia. He was terrific in all facets in this one with his defensive acumen and the way he was able to finish in the paint against this Knicks defense. He was so impressive offensively as he was efficient with his opportunities and tormented New York all night. Free-throw shooting was a bit off, but Maxey was terrific in a number of areas.
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VJ Edgecombe: A
Along with being an absolute menace on the defensive end, Edgecombe was able to get going on the offensive end. He was living in the paint and was able to finish at the basket up and around taller defenders. There weren't many plays called for him, but Edgecombe was able to score off the offensive glass and find some buckets by moving without the basketball. This is a performance that continues to show his basketball IQ. He got rewarded with a wide-open 3 to push Philadelphia's lead to four late.
LeBron James: A
At this early stage of the season, the Sixers are using James as an offensive hub. Obviously, he has seen every possible defensive coverage anybody can come up with and he knows how to attack any scheme thrown his way. There were plenty of times in this one when he was directing traffic and made sure the Sixers were in the best position to score with the passes he made. He also exploded to the basket when the time called for it, too. He was able to convert on open looks from 3 and he was aggressive and strong in the paint. Overall, James was fantastic when considering he got after it on the defensive end and was an elite playmaker for this group.
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Dean Wade: A-minus
He passed up some open 3s that were generated for him within this offense, and the Sixers are certainly going to point it out to him in the next film session, but Wade was fantastic on the defensive end. He was all over the place on that end of the floor and he did a great job of seamlessly switching from one assignment to another.
Joel Embiid: B-plus
The big fella gave the Sixers some solid production in the early going as he was making plays with his passing in the middle of the floor. When Embiid is able to set up at the nail, then he's able to do so many different things in terms of being in position to score as well as make plays for others. There were a few possessions in a row when the Sixers dumped it to Embiid and he was able to make something happen each time. Overall, not the most dominant Embiid game in terms of his offense, but he was able to make a positive impact in a number of areas. His defense against Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns down the stretch was impressive.
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Anfernee Simons: A
Simons picked up right where he left off in Indiana as he hopped off the bench and immediately drilled a 3-pointer while running off a screen. He then knocked down three huge 3s in the third when the Knicks were making a push to get back into this one. Him busting out of this slump is such a huge development for Philadelphia as he makes a real difference in terms of bench scoring.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: A-minus
Once again, KCP hopped off the bench and was able to make an impact on the defensive end. He was active on that end, was all over the place on the perimeter, and he really bothered the Knicks with his activity. He also was helpful on the offensive end as he took advantage of his opportunities and he made plays with his passing.
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Adem Bona: C-minus
The energetic big man played within himself in this one, which is a big help for the group. He didn't try to do too much and he played well while doing it. He had a big rejection from the weak side and he was helpful on the glass. That's all you can ask for from Bona. The big issue with him, as always, was the foul problems.
Labaron Philon Jr.: Incomplete
The Sixers gave the rookie a look in the first half and he had some good moments. He did air-ball a 3, but he was able to get into the paint and make some positive things happen. He has an understanding of how to play this game. It will just take some time. He didn't get a look in the second half.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Player grades: Tyrese Maxey leads Sixers over Knicks in Cup opener
