While the Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey’s offensive output has put him squarely in the conversation for first-team All-NBA recognition, head coach Nick Nurse has been just as struck by the guard’s growth on the defensive end, as noted by Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Maxey’s activity shows up clearly in the numbers: he sits fourth in the NBA in steals at 1.8 per game and has swatted 28 shots so far, leaving him only five blocks shy of the best single-season total of his career.
From Nurse’s perspective, the improvement hasn’t been sporadic or matchup-based, but consistent throughout the year.
He has pointed to Maxey’s constant pressure on the ball, his ability to fight through screens, and his knack for jumping passing lanes and forcing turnovers.
“For three games, we have had the same players in our starting lineup,” Nurse said. “For three games, we have started the same five people. I don’t think I’ve been able to say that very much, since I’ve been here.
“You guys (the reporters) would have to go and check your notes on that. It’s been good to finally have some continuity.”
Sixers Notes: Healthy Starters, Embiid, Maxey, Edgecombe https://t.co/DzxcszQNN5 pic.twitter.com/NgRWrcnuim
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 5, 2026
