Instant observations: Tyrese Maxey, Sixers collapse in third quarter vs. Suns

Key Highlights

• There were a lot of plays where the mind wanted to do one thing, and the body responded differently, leading to missed connections on passes and some painfully short jumpers.
• You were going to go through periods of severe offensive struggle, and you needed a star to carry you. Unfortunately for the Sixers, Tyrese Maxey was the face of the struggle.
• Newly minted as an All-Star starter, tapped for a signature sneaker by New Balance, everything has been coming up Maxey over the last couple of days.
• But with Joel Embiid and Paul George both on the shelf, Maxey wilted, turning in yet another uninspiring offensive performance during a run of too many of those. Without excusing a dreadful outing, I do think you have to ask if he has simply been overworked up to this point.
• Against Phoenix and over the last couple of weeks, he has missed quite a few shots that feel like gimmes for the regular version of Maxey.