Player grades: Tyrese Maxey, Sixers come up with win over Timberwolves

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers returned home on Friday to play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves looking to keep their run to the playoffs going in the right direction. The Sixers needed a win to keep their spot in the top 6 and continue their push to stay out of the play-in tournament and move forward in the East. The Timberwolves entered the Xfinity Mobile Arena in a similar position as they are currently the No.

6 seed in the West. Both teams exchanged punches back and forth, with the Wolves taking a double-digit lead, but the Sixers dug deep, used a big third quarter, and rallied for a big 115-103 win at home. The win clinched a season series sweep of Minnesota as Philadelphia was able to get the job done.

Paul George had 23 points, six rebounds, and five assists, Joel Embiid had 19 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, Tyrese Maxey had 21 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, and Dominick Barlow added seven points and 10 rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr. had 21 points and Quentin Grimes added 10.

Here are the player grades following the win: Tyrese Maxey: A It was a slow start for Maxey as the Wolves limited his touches and opportunities on the offensive end. Before the game, Minnesota coach Chris Finch criticized his team’s one-on-one defense from the previous matchup between these teams on Philadelphia’s guards, but it was much better in this one. Maxey had a tough time breaking free and finding looks, and when he did, he had a tough time converting on them.