Tyrese Maxey had a clear message for his Philadelphia 76ers team after their disappointing loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night.
Maxi is halfway through his sixth season in the NBA with the 76ers. He worked his way up the ranks to become one of the best guards in the league, helping the 76ers remain steadfast as a playoff contender. However, they are vulnerable to the unexpected loss they suffered against the Pelicans.
Maxey reflected on the loss after the game, via NBC Sports Philadelphia. He commented on how he and the team needed to control the pace from start to finish while dealing with the ups and downs of the competition.
"It's going to take a lot. You know what I mean. As soon as you dig yourself a hole, only America can get out of it. You know what I mean? Like we're in this thing together? You know what I mean, through the highs, through the lows, through the peaks, through the valleys. You know what I mean? We've said that since day one, and it's that way. We really Played a good half, then we got off to a good start in the third, honestly. And you know, it's hard to get that momentum back, but it's too late.
"It's going to take a lot."
Maxi expressed that only the team can dig themselves out of this hole. | @fultonbank pic.twitter.com/vHzTQ45xSt
- NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) 22 February 2026
Tyrese Maxey, how the 76ers played against the Pelicans
Tyrese Maxey and the 76ers will be active in the playoff picture this season. However, their latest loss to the Pelicans leaves questions to answer for them moving forward.
Four players, including Maxey, scored in double figures for Philadelphia in the loss. He finished with a stat line of 27 points, seven assists, five steals and three rebounds. He shot 9 of 23 from the field, including 2 of 11 from beyond the arc and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line. Kelly Oubre Jr. was next with 25 points and five rebounds, VJ Edgecombe had 14 points and five rebounds, while Quentin Grimes added 11 points and three assists.
Philadelphia improved to a 30–26 record on the season and finished sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, while trailing the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers.
After four consecutive losses, the 76ers will look to get back into the win column in their next match. They remain on the road when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 22nd at 7pm ET.
