Tyrese Maxey vows to play much better in Game 2 of the 76ers' series against the Celtics originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia 76ers had a promising season, but they continue to face problems with their roster. Joel Embiid is not present due to an untimely appendicitis surgery, so Tyrese Maxey continues to be the primary star player for Philly.

In the #2 seed vs #7 seed matchup between the Boston Celtics and the 76ers, Maxey and his teammates seem to be overmatched. It is an unfortunate situation to be in, but as the star player, he knows he must step up to the plate.

Maxey has elevated his game to be the 76ers' best player. Everyone knows that Embiid has become an unreliable superstar due to being an injury-prone player. With that, Maxey has cemented himself as a true star.

Despite that, he still needs help for the 76ers. Against the Celtics in Game 1, they were blown out 123-91. That is an embarrassing result for Philly, and Maxey wants everyone to know that he is ready to bounce back.

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Playing against a fully healthy Celtics side is a challenge for any team. That gets even worse when the 76ers do not have their full roster. They suffered on both ends of the floor, as they could not stop the Celtics, and the 76ers couldn't even score 100 points.

"This is my fifth Playoffs. Losses, whether you lose by seven, 12, or 100, they all hurt. They all don't feel good, but this one, it sucks. We didn't expect this at all, but you gotta play better," Maxey said after Game 1 against the Celtics.

As the 76ers continue to play against the Celtics, they know they are under pressure. Maxey is the star player, so he will keep doing his best to become the star player who can beat the Celtics at their best.

It will be a challenge for Maxey, Paul George, and the rest of the healthy 76ers players. They know that, and they will want to save themselves from the embarrassment of Game 1.

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