This year – with Embiid hobbled, George shuffling through a succession of injuries and Caleb Martin and Andre Drummond only occasionally available for work – Maxey has had to keep the team afloat. He’s the only thing standing between the Sixers and tanking oblivion.

How have the Sixers found their groove over the last week? Their point guard and head coach have made much-needed changes.

Tyrese Maxey scored 43 points as the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers used a dominant second quarter to power a 118-104 victory over the visiting Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, extending their winning streak to three games.