On Sunday evening, the Philadelphia 76ers secured one of their most commanding victories of the 2025-26 NBA season with a dominant road win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Tyrese Maxey spearheaded Philadelphia’s offense, delivering an impressive 39 points on efficient shooting, making 16 of his 28 attempts from the field.
Decade-Long Competitive History Between Maxey and Edwards
Following the game, Maxey opened up about his long-standing rivalry with Minnesota’s star guard, Anthony Edwards, who scored 28 points despite the loss. Maxey shared that their competitive relationship dates back more than ten years.
“Footage of us playing against Ant, I think we were in the fifth grade,”
Maxey said, according to Chris Hine of the Minnesota Star Tribune on Bluesky.
Reflecting on their early encounters, Maxey recalled Edwards in fifth grade as “short, chubby, and strong.” While Edwards has changed physically, he remains one of the NBA’s most powerful shooting guards, consistently challenging Philadelphia’s defense during the game.
Team Effort Helps Philadelphia Manage Edwards and His Teammates
Although Edwards managed to find scoring opportunities, the 76ers effectively contained the rest of the Timberwolves roster throughout the contest. Philadelphia controlled all four quarters, eventually cruising to a comfortable victory. This win improved the 76ers’ record to 31-26, maintaining their strong position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
The team’s success came without two of its key players. Joel Embiid missed the game due to a shin injury that resurfaced after the All-Star break, while Paul George remains sidelined serving a 25-game suspension for breaching the league’s substance policy.
Philadelphia Looks Ahead to Upcoming Game With Confidence
With this victory on the road, Maxey and the 76ers are optimistic about their playoff prospects as they prepare to face the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday. Their performance without Embiid and George highlights the team’s depth and determination to secure a top seed in the playoffs.
