With the All-Star break just around the corner, the Philadelphia 76ers are closing in on a much-needed pause in the schedule. They’ve got two games left before the league hits pause, and given how this group has battled through the first half of the season, the break is coming at the right time.
The Sixers have been climbing the Eastern Conference standings thanks to a strong recent stretch, and they’ll be well-represented during All-Star Weekend. Rookie VJ Edgecombe has earned a spot in the Rising Stars Challenge, a nod to both his early impact and the potential he’s flashed in limited minutes. But the spotlight will shine brightest on Tyrese Maxey, who’s not only been named a starter in the All-Star Game but will also take center stage on Saturday night.
Maxey is set to compete in the 3-Point Contest, a testament to his growth as a perimeter threat. Now in his sixth year, Maxey is shooting 38.2% from beyond the arc on 8.8 attempts per game - a career-high volume that speaks to his confidence and the green light he’s earned in Philly’s offense. That kind of efficiency on that kind of volume isn’t just solid - it’s elite, especially considering the defensive attention he draws as the Sixers’ primary ball handler with Joel Embiid sidelined.
This isn’t just a fun All-Star nod; it’s a validation of Maxey’s evolution. He’s gone from a change-of-pace guard to a bona fide offensive engine, and his ability to stretch the floor has been a key reason why the Sixers have remained competitive. His inclusion in the 3-point shootout is another step in his journey toward league-wide recognition.
Before the festivities begin, though, the Sixers have business to handle. They’ll wrap up their five-game road trip on Monday in Portland against the Trail Blazers - a game they’ll want to take care of before heading home. Then it’s a marquee matchup with the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday to close out the first half.
Two games left, then a well-earned breather. But for Maxey and Edgecombe, the spotlight will stay on - and for good reason.