Spurred on by VJ Edgecombe, Tirese Mackey is more determined than ever

« This might be the first time I’ve seen him act so “angry” even though he’s not that kind of person on the outside at all “. Kelly Oubre Jr. was right to point the finger at allowing Tyrese McKay to further push the boundaries at the beginning of the season.

Already the author of 40 points in a wire-to-wire victory in Boston during Game 1, the leader pulled out all the stops tonight in the absence of Joel Embiid (who will play in Philly’s second straight game against Washington tonight) with his attitude. 43 points in the Magic.

At his side, his current lieutenant, VJ Edgecombehe still contributed with 26 points (10/17 on shots) and 7 assists. The Sixers’ two new power players have had a great start to the season. The duo combined for 182 points, the highest total for a starting backcourt duo through the first three games of the season according to ESPN statistics (from 1970-1971).

Smile less to earn more

« Seriously? This is a good statistic to know. », smiles the newcomer who already gets along very well with his partner from the “backyard”. ” Funny, when he ended up losing that last ball, I told him it was my fault, I had to give him space. But in terms of his style of play, he is very aggressive. He lost only two balls tonight, although he had the ball in his hands a lot. We all trust him », by Tirese Mackey.

Between the experience and the responsibility, the Sixers leader almost lost his big smile. The desire to win again, especially after a tough last season, just takes over.

« I’m not angry. i am happy », he assured. « I think he thinks maybe I don’t smile like I used to, maybe because I’m getting older. I’m at a point in my career where I want us to be very good as a team, and I know that starts with me. »

The leader specifically recalled a fact of the game regarding his rookie, Hunter Sallis, during his first entry into the NBA, which accurately illustrates his state of mind, perhaps less smiling, but more victorious.

While waiting for the return of the other stars

« Sometimes I can’t be all smiles now. Hunter Sallis asked me why I yelled at him before he came in. I told him, ‘Because you didn’t tuck in your jersey, and if you get a suspension, I’m going to be very angry.’ He told me he was just happy to get in, and I apologized afterwards. I’m just determined. I want us to win, and I want it so much in every game that I will give everything I can to get my team there. That’s really it. »

From words to deeds, Tirese Mackey showed the way by finishing the match very strongly to hold off the Magic’s advance, back to within two lengths after chasing the score throughout the match. With scoring, but also assists so that everyone is in agreement.

« I try to finish matches well. Tonight there was action where I entered the game, they came to the rescue and I took the ball to Justin Edwards who managed to make a big three. Then he was able to drive and score another basket. These are important actions, where I will not always shoot, but just make the right action. That’s the most important thing I try to do, control the pace and the timing and the possession as well. At the end of the match, that’s what you have to do: take the ball and read the game correctly. »

With Joel Embiid back tonight, and possibly Paul George as well, we can count on him to re-adjust to the hierarchy while remaining effective, as he has been able to do… since the beginning of his career.

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.