**Tyrese Maxey’s Work Ethic Meets Its Match in Justin Edwards**
*PHILADELPHIA* — It’s a rare sight to beat Tyrese Maxey to a basketball gym. Maxey’s close friend and new teammate, Trendon Watford, remarked Tuesday morning that during the offseason, Maxey often finishes two or three workouts before Watford even arrives at 9:00 a.m. Maxey’s legendary work ethic is well known around these parts.
On Tuesday morning, ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers’ third matchup against the Boston Celtics in as many weeks, the Sixers held their usual 10:00 a.m. shootaround. Maxey was surprised to see another player already on the court shooting before him. That player was Justin Edwards, the second-year wing determined to deliver a strong performance if given the chance.
“He was up here at, like, 8:00,” Maxey said. “Those little mental things, they mean something. I was really proud of him for being there. He didn’t play last game, in here early, 8:00 a.m., shot the ball well before shootaround. The work shows.”
The hard work definitely showed on Tuesday night.
### Edwards’ Impressive Shooting Performance
Edwards closed out a challenging 10-game stretch to start the season with near-perfection. He made his first eight shots against the Celtics, including five from beyond the arc. On his only miss, teammate Kelly Oubre Jr.—one of Edwards’ most vocal supporters—grabbed the offensive rebound and scored the game-winning basket.
“It didn’t feel good, but I shot it,” Edwards said. “Like I said, a game-winning miss. It all worked out in my favor, right?”
### A Game-Changer for the Sixers
Edwards unquestionably earned the support of his teammates. He kept the team afloat with one of the most well-rounded performances of his season—and possibly of his young NBA career. Edwards played stellar defense across multiple positions, contributed key assists and rebounds, and knocked down his first eight shots.
While Edwards’ efforts extended beyond shooting, his performance was heightened by his hot shooting night. Generally a reserved player, Edwards offers brief and to-the-point responses during media interactions and is not as outgoing in front of cameras and microphones as he is behind the scenes. Even in his best moments on the court, his reactions tend to be muted.
But after sinking the third of three consecutive triples to put the Sixers ahead of their rivals, the emotion finally spilled out. Edwards erupted in a loud scream as the Celtics called timeout. He admitted to getting “low-key” chills realizing the excitement he sparked among Philadelphia fans.
In many ways, it felt like an out-of-body experience for Edwards—but in truth, it was just him being his natural self.
“I actually kind of chilled out when I got to the NBA, honestly. I’ve always been that type of guy,” Edwards said, before pointing to a special guest in the room.
“You can ask my Momma, she’s standing right there.”
Before Edwards could continue, his mother, Ebony Twiggs—a former professional basketball player—chimed in with a smile and a warning, “If he says it, he’s going to get a beating.”
### A Player with All the Tools
Edwards has a lot working in his favor. From his natural talent—which once made him a five-star recruit—to his basketball lineage, he has an innate feel for the game and quick decision-making ability rare among young players. He boasts a sturdy wing frame and the mobility needed to defend perimeter guards, as he demonstrated extensively in Tuesday’s game.
But perhaps his greatest asset is the passionate support from Sixers head coach Nick Nurse.
Nurse has believed in Edwards from the start, ever since he emerged as an undrafted rookie on a two-way contract—a silver lining during a tough 2024-25 season. Although Edwards didn’t play in the Sixers’ previous game, Nurse showed confidence by calling on him early Tuesday.
Edwards’ season-long struggles didn’t shake Nurse’s faith.
“I love him,” Nurse said. “I don’t worry about him. He works extremely hard. He really worked on his shooting. He goes out there and tries as hard as he can on defense every time. He’s not perfect, but he’s a really good, developing young player that I love. He has a bad game, it doesn’t even phase me, because I love him.”
### Encouragement from Coach Nurse
Edwards grinned broadly as Nurse’s words were read back to him. He recalled a personal low early in the year during one of the Sixers’ first practices. Struggling to find his footing on the floor, Edwards sat on the sideline when Nurse approached him with reassuring words.
“I’m not worried about you,” Nurse told him. “And you shouldn’t be worried about yourself, because it’s all going to work out.”
Edwards’ journey is just beginning. With his talent, determination, and the unwavering support of his coach and teammates, the Sixers are confident he will continue to make an impact.
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*By @SixersAdam*
https://www.phillyvoice.com/sixers-news-analysis-justin-edwards-highlights-sixers-vs-celtics-box-score-nick-nurse-tyrese-maxey-nba-rumors/