SoccerRecap
Brighton sweep aside Wolves to boost European hopes
Brighton secures a 3-0 victory over Wolves, enhancing their European qualification chances!
Sky Sports1 min read
Sports
Nick Nurse Choosing Embiid over Maxey in Game 3 Confirms 76ers Must Fire Him Next Week
TL;DR
Nick Nurse's decision to prioritize Joel Embiid over Tyrese Maxey in Game 3 has led to calls for his dismissal as head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers. Many believe Maxey is the team's best player and should be the primary offensive option.
Key points
- Nick Nurse's coaching decisions are under scrutiny
- Tyrese Maxey is considered the best player on the 76ers
- Joel Embiid's return was crucial for Game 3
- The 76ers were in a must-win situation against the Knicks
Philadelphia 76ersNew York Knicks
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
While it seems like the entire basketball world knows Tyrese Maxey is the Philadelphia 76ers’ best player, Nick Nurse apparently doesn’t, and his decision to let his veterans lead the way in Game 3 versus the New York Knicks should cost him his job next week.
On Friday night, the 76ers were in a must-win situation. They were down 2-0 in their semifinal series against the Knicks and had to deal with an environment in Xfinity Mobile Arena that seemed to have just as many, if not more, New York fans. Yet, Nurse had the horses to get a win and avoid a 3-0 hole, especially with Joel Embiid back on the floor.
There is no doubt that the 76ers are better off with Embiid on the floor. The seven-time All-Star commands respect on both sides of the court, even in this diminished version. However, the 2025-26 season confirmed an undeniable fact: Maxey is the No. 1 option on offense and always should be. Yet the Sixers head coach somehow hasn’t gotten the memo.
Where was Tyrese Maxey on Friday night?
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Beyond being the in the NBA this season, Nurse had enough evidence specifically against the Knicks to have Maxey as the focus in Game 3. The two teams split their four games during the regular season, and Games 1 and 2 of this series were very different.
Q&A
Why should the 76ers fire Nick Nurse next week?
Nick Nurse's decision to favor Joel Embiid over Tyrese Maxey in a crucial playoff game has raised concerns about his coaching judgment, prompting calls for his dismissal.
Who is the best player on the Philadelphia 76ers?
Tyrese Maxey is widely regarded as the best player on the Philadelphia 76ers, especially following his performance in the 2025-26 season.
What was the outcome of Game 3 between the 76ers and Knicks?
The outcome of Game 3 has not been specified, but it was a must-win situation for the 76ers as they were down 2-0 in the series.
How did Joel Embiid perform in Game 3 against the Knicks?
While Joel Embiid's performance specifics in Game 3 are not detailed, he returned to the floor and is acknowledged as a key player for the 76ers.
