Joel Embiid: ‘Tyrese Maxey has been trash’ since returning from injury

The Philadelphia 76ers started off 2023 on the right foot, beating the New Orleans Pelicans last night in South Philly 120-111. 

Joel Embiid led the way with yet another dominant performance, dropping 42 points with 11 rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block. 

Read Full Game Recap Here >>

Tyrese Maxey, still getting back into game-shape after missing over a month with a small foot fracture, finished the game shooting 5-for-14 from the floor and just 1-for-5 from three point range, scoring 12 points in 27 minutes of action off the bench for the Sixers. 

After the game, Embiid spoke with the media and made sure that he let everyone know that Maxey has been “trash” since returning to the Sixers. 

Joel Embiid: Tyrese Maxey has been trash

Maxey, who was close, agreed with Embiid's statement, but added that he was better tonight compared to the first game. He finished Monday's game with 12 points on 5-14 shooting

— Justin Grasso (@JGrasso_) January 3, 2023

“He’s been trash, but he’s getting better. Today was better than the first New Orleans game. He was really bad the first game. He’s getting better over time” – Joel Embiid on Tyrese Maxey

Obviously, Embiid was just joking around but it made me think about last season, when Embiid, on a few different occasions, made sure to tell Maxey when he was playing like trash. The first came when Embiid dominated in a game against the Raptors, scoring 36 points in 34 minutes of action. Tyrese Maxey on the other hand, went 2-for-11 from the floor and 1-for-4 from beyond the arc for a miserable 5 points in the game.

Joel Embiid on Tyrese Maxey: “You Were Trash Tonight” >>

Embiid continued his dominance the following game on the road with 34 points, seven rebounds, three steals, an assist and a block in a huge win against the Brooklyn Nets. Maxey also responded that game, catching fire in the fourth quarter and finishing the night with 25 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. He was 10-for-18 from the floor and 5-for-8 from beyond the arc.

After the game, Maxey said he wanted to show out tonight since Embiid told him he was terrible.

Joel Embiid to Tyrese Maxey: “That’s How You Respond to Criticism” >>

Lets hope we see something similar happen again this year when the 76ers get back to work against the Indiana Pacers tomorrow night at the Wells Fargo Center.

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