Maxey stays hot as Sixers regroup after Detroit loss

Detroit exposed the margins

Philadelphia’s loss to the Pistons was mostly decided by the details that have mattered all week. Detroit hit 41 percent from three, grabbed 54 rebounds and won despite 15 turnovers, while the Sixers got 13 boards from Adem Bona and still finished well behind on the glass.

Per ESPN, Maxey scored 29 and LeBron James led the team with five assists, but the group never found enough consistent support. The stat line underscores why the rebounding conversation is now the main talking point around this team.

The bigger issue is that this came against a Detroit team that controlled the interior and got a strong all-around game from Cade Cunningham, who finished with 26 points and eight assists, per ESPN.

Sources: Thealpenanews, Liberty Ballers

Maxey’s start still matters

Earlier this week, the Sixers were built around Maxey’s pace and shot creation, and that still holds even after one rough night. ESPN lists Philadelphia at 3-1, and Maxey’s scoring has given the team a baseline when the offense bogs down.

Maxey was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week on Monday. That award is a reminder that the early-season work is real, even if the surrounding lineup has already been stressed by injuries and lineup changes.

Sources: Metrophiladelphia, Liberty Ballers, Nbcphiladelphia, Sixers

Indiana comes next

The next test is Wednesday night at Indiana, and it comes fast enough that the Sixers do not get much time to sort out the frontcourt questions. That means the rebound work, the center rotation and the level of support behind Maxey will all be worth watching immediately.

There is also fresh speculation circulating around the roster, with Sporting News floating a proposed Joel Embiid swap for a $108 million rim protector and shooter. That is rumor territory, not news, but it speaks to how quickly the center discussion has become the focus after the Detroit loss.

Sources: Sportingnews, Jhnewsandguide, Thealpenanews