The Sixers’ turnaround would not be possible without reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week Tyrese Maxey, who has stepped up time and time again -- especially in clutch moments. Writer John Schuhmann notes Maxey’s brilliance in five consecutive clutch wins between Dec. 16 and Dec. 28:

Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey stepped up to lead the way for the Sixers, but Guerschon Yabusele continues to play an important role for this group. Yabusele had 11 of his 16 points in the second quarter as Philadelphia was able to pull away from the Blazers.

Guerschon Yabusele believed he had two choices as he received the ball in transition, and realized Portland’s Deni Avdija would jump to challenge any attempt at the rim. Go for a dunk, or get blocked.