TITLE: Maxey’s Historic Start Continues, Banchero Set to Return, Clippers Add RayJ Dennis on Two-Way Deal
SLUG: maxey-banchero-dennis-updates
CONTENT:
Philadelphia — Tyrese Maxey’s scoring surge rolled on Thursday night against Golden State. The guard poured in 35 points on 13-for-27 shooting, lifting his average to 32.6 points per game and preserving a 99-98 victory with a last-second block on DeAnthony Melton. According to The Athletic, Maxey’s 649 points through 20 games rank third in 76ers history for that span, behind only Allen Iverson’s 2005-06 start and Wilt Chamberlain’s 1965-66 opening.
Head coach Nick Nurse has embraced the workload. “He should shoot even more,” Nurse said after Tuesday’s win over Washington, when Maxey launched 26 attempts. Maxey took one extra shot Thursday and delivered the defensive play of the night, prompting Joel Embiid to remark, “I almost forgot who made the game-winning layup. That’s how good the block was.”
Magic welcome Banchero back
Orlando — Paolo Banchero has been cleared for Friday’s home matchup with the Miami Heat, ending a 10-game absence caused by a left groin strain. The 2024 All-Star averaged 23.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists in nearly 35 minutes before being sidelined on Nov. 12.
Teammates expect a smooth reintegration. “He’ll jell well with us because that’s our brother,” guard Jalen Suggs said last week. “We’re better when he’s on the court.”
Miami could be short-handed. Tyler Herro is listed as doubtful with a right big toe problem and will have an MRI on Saturday. Norman Powell, leading the Heat at 25.0 points per game in 17 outings, has been upgraded to available after missing Wednesday’s loss in Dallas.
Clippers finalize two-way deal with RayJ Dennis
Los Angeles — The Clippers have signed guard RayJ Dennis to a two-way contract after his release from Indiana earlier this week. The move allows Dennis, 24, to appear in up to 37 games the rest of the season and bolsters backcourt depth following the departure of Chris Paul.
To open the slot, Los Angeles waived rookie guard Jahmyl Telfort. Dennis played 13 games for the Pacers last season, averaging 4.9 points and 2.0 assists in about 13 minutes. Telfort logged seven appearances with the Clippers after going undrafted out of Butler in 2025.
Source: Hoops Wire
