GRADES: Sixers run roughshod over Mavs in Summer League opener

The Sixers parlayed a dominant three-minute first quarter run into a blowout before the game seemingly started.

Some expected Tyrese Maxey to prove that he was perhaps too talented to be partaking in the Summer League. He confirmed and then exceeded those expectations.

The game began with Isaiah Joe and Maxey leading the way for Philadelphia while Tyrell Terry showcased his talent as he commanded the flow for Dallas. Through 7 minutes of action, Dallas was very much in the game. Despite an off-the-dribble Maxey three pointer out of a pick-and-roll and a 30-foot bomb from Joe, Dallas trailed only 14-12 with 3:10 remaining in the first frame.

From there, it was all Philadelphia. Joe and Maxey took turns scoring as Philadelphia closed the quarter on a 17-2 run in a game where they never looked back.

The second quarter was a slightly more even affair, but the damage had been done. First round pick Jaden Springer knocked down his first jumper off a Filip Petrusev assist. Throughout the quarter, other Philadelphia youngsters got their opportunities with Rayjon Tucker scoring in and out of the paint. Paul Reed contributed across the box score and Aaron Henry chipped in as well.

Entering the brief Summer League halftime, Philadelphia led 57-31.

Despite the lead and early success, Maxey returned to the court to start the second half and only continued to highlight his offseason growth. A mid-range step back jumper fading to the left corner encapsulated a dominant performance.

Springer got the bulk of his points in the third quarter and Paul appeared to be a defensive menace as Philadelphia opened their biggest lead to 38 as they led 72-34 before giving the coaching staff some things to finally emphasize.

From there, the young group went through a scoring drought that will likely provide coachable opportunities, but the game was also simply so out of hand.

The fourth quarter was an opportunity for guys deeper on the Summer League benches to get some run for the other and international scouts in the house. Daishen Nix and Braxton Key took advantage and looked fluid on the court.

When the clock struck 0:00, Philadelphia took the game 95-73.

Grades from the Sixers’ dominant win over the Dallas Mavericks in their Summer League opener.

25 mins | 21 pts | 5 reb | 4 ast | 3 stl | 0 blk | 3 TO | 8-15 FG | 3-6 3PT| 2-3 FT | 3 PF | +24 |

He simply was excellent. He scored in a myriad of ways, including deep threes off the dribble. He attacked the hoop and played within himself while creating for others. Not only does he look too talented for Summer League, but he looks ready to take a next step when the regular season rolls around.

24 mins | 15 pts | 4 reb | 0 ast | 0 stl | 0 blk | 0 TO | 4-10 FG | 4-8 3PT| 3-3 FT | 4 PF | +33 |

Joe played better defense than initially anticipated and he absolutely is an NBA level shooter. Whether the rest of his game will afford him many opportunities, there is little doubt that he will knock down the shots he does get.

24 mins | 9 pts | 8 reb | 1 ast | 3 stl | 4 blk | 0 TO | 4-8 FG | 0-1 3PT| 1-1 FT | 4 PF | +25 |

Reed doesn’t have much in the way of diverse scoring options. He is an active, long athlete who competes all over the court. He was the defensive leader in a dominant defensive showing for Philadelphia. With Simmons future in Philadelphia seemingly less likely every day, perhaps Reed can carve out some minutes in defensive minded rotations.

24 mins | 11 pts | 1 reb | 2 ast | 0 stl | 2 blk | 4 TO | 4-12 FG | 1-3 3PT| 2-3 FT | 0 PF | +18 |

Springer struggled early with his shot, but he showcased strong defensive efforts and continued to battle. He played much better in the third quarter and most importantly continued shooting. Two blocks and some one-on-one lockups highlighted his potential on the lesser end. A decent showing where he got better as the game progressed. It will be interesting to see if his game is more efficient in his second opportunity.

15 mins | 12 pts | 2 reb | 0 ast | 1 stl | 0 blk | 1 TO | 4-5 FG | 1-1 3PT| 3-4 FT | 2 PF | +22 |

A great athlete, Tucker scored the most efficiently of anyone in the game. He attacked the hoop and even made his only three-point attempt of the game. It will be surprising if Tucker gets much time on an NBA court, but today was certainly a strong showing.

Dallas will be back with a chance to redeem themselves against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, while Philadelphia will be waiting till Thursday before they get the chance to take on the Atlanta Hawks.