GRADES: Sixers outlast Summer Hawks in gutsy OT win

Well, that was fun. The Summer Sixers are still undefeated, advancing to 2-0 behind a magnificent second-half surge from the team’s sophomores. Atlanta led for much of the game, but Tyrese Maxey, Isaiah Joe, and Paul Reed all had stand-out performances in a gusty comeback victory.

Aside from the pleasantry of revenge, this is the kind of game that can’t help but spark overreactions from the fanbase. Maxey hit big shot after big shot down the stretch, while Paul Reed did his best Anthony Davis impression while stuffing the No. 20 overall pick in a gym locker.

Sharife Cooper was the best player on the floor, and a lot of teams (maybe even the Sixers) will regret letting him fall to 48. That said, in the end, it was Maxey who showed up late, complementing his clutch shot-making with impressive on-ball defense.

The second half was some of the best basketball we’ve seen in a while, at any level. Both teams traded highlights on what felt like a possession-by-possession basis. For every Paul Reed slam, there was a behind-the-backboard alley-oop from Atlanta. Considering the general quality of Vegas basketball (not always great!), this was a pleasantly watchable game (in the second half, at least).

Beyond the “big three,” the Sixers also got flashes from throughout the roster. Rayjon Tucker put his immaculately chiseled frame to work on defense, while Aaron Henry had a couple eye-popping moments. Even Filip Petrušev did some work, continuing to build his case against the sidelined Charles Bassey.

Given the increasing likelihood that Maxey will not play all five Summer League games, it’s best to savor it while it lasts. This was a true showcase moment for him and the Sixers’ sophomores. It’s hard not to smile.

Grades from the Sixers’ shocking overtime victory over the Hawks in NBA Summer League.

33 mins | 31 pts | 6 reb | 5 ast | 1 stl | 2 blk | 1 TO | 11-23 FG | 1-8 3PT| 8-8 FT | 3 PF | +14 |

He’s officially #TooGood for Summer League. The first half was actually a bit bumpy for Maxey, but he came on strong after the break and was just about flawless down the stretch. He made clutch plays on both sides of the ball, and while 1-for-8 from 3-point range looks gnarly upon first glance, the eight is much more important than the one. His shot variety in this game was promising, even if not all of them fell.

31 mins | 20 pts | 12 reb | 3 ast | 2 stl | 1 blk | 1 TO | 8-14 FG | 0-1 3PT| 4-5 FT | 3 PF | +11 |

He can do nothing wrong. He is Paul, and he plays Bball.

36 mins | 21 pts | 5 reb | 4 ast | 1 stl | 0 blk | 3 TO | 6-15 FG | 5-13 3PT| 4-4 FT | 2 PF | +11 |

There were some isolated hiccups from Isaiah Joe tonight, but on the whole, he did what he needed to do — hit big 3s in big moments, and play physical, aware team defense. He even made some nifty passes on the move, with some complex ball-handling maneuvers to spice things up.

29 mins | 7 pts | 2 reb | 2 ast | 1 stl | 0 blk | 1 TO | 3-9 FG | 0-3 3PT| 1-2 FT | 2 PF | +9 |

I have seen Jaden Springer described as an “acquired taste,” and that’s the direction things seem to be heading in Philly. He plays at a unique pace, and relies far more on instincts and cleverness than athleticism to get where he needs to go on the court. Those instincts are still a work in progress, but he’s a smart 18-year-old who plays mean defense. Give him time. He made one of the game’s biggest shots in overtime — one that essentially put Atlanta away.

24 mins | 8 pts | 6 reb | 2 ast | 1 stl | 2 blk | 0 TO | 4-7 FG | 0-1 3PT| 0-0 FT | 3 PF | -7 |

While Charles Bassey sits in street clothes waiting on a contract, Filip Petrušev continues to flash exactly what got him drafted. He’s a skilled big who plays well within a team context. He sets rock-solid screens, rolls hard to the rim, has range on his jump shot, and has now accumulated five blocks across two Summer League games. He looks like he belongs.

The Summer Sixers’ next game is Saturday, Aug. 14 at 5 PM E.T. against the 3-0 Summer Celtics.