76ers' LeBron effect: Maxey explains the team's sacrifice

The Philadelphia 76ers are atop the Eastern Conference with 9 wins in 11 games. For a team that went through many changes over the summer, this performance is above what many people expected.

Tyrese Maxey spoke to the media before tonight's game against the Boston Celtics. Maxey said the team has played with an intense pace on defense and that this has been evident since the first day of the season. According to him, the quick ball movement also showed up in the first practices.

Maxey described a conversation he had with Joel Embiid. He said that comments about holding the ball and ego would not be a problem for the team, because LeBron James has put the pass first since the first practice. Maxey said that if LeBron James is ready to sacrifice, they can do the same.

Coach Nurse also said the team has aimed for the right way of playing from the first day. Stressing that an open teammate must always be found, Nurse added that Embiid and LeBron James passing often gave the team its first impression and influenced the other players.