East Notes: Sixers, Tyrese Maxey, Cavs, Donovan Mitchell, Celtics

76ers

The Sixers just keep winning and finding new heroes along the way.

Behind Tyrese Maxey’s 39 points and 10 assists, Philadelphia pulled off a 139-134 comeback win over the Wizards to move to 4-0.

But it wasn’t just Maxey. Rookie center Adem Bona and guard Quentin Grimes stole the show late, as noted by Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports.

Grimes came alive in the final minutes, drilling a clutch three to force overtime and sparking the Sixers’ press with relentless energy.

Meanwhile, Bona delivered a defensive clinic, blocking two shots in the final minute of regulation and throwing down a putback dunk in overtime that sealed the win.

Joel Embiid added 18 first-half points before hitting his minutes limit, showing flashes of his dominant offensive form. He’s still easing back into peak condition, but his chemistry with Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe continues to impress.

Edgecombe had an uneven night, scoring 14 points and hitting four threes but struggling defensively. Nurse has warned of ups and downs for the rookie, and this was one of them.

Nonetheless, the Sixers remain perfect and seem to have found a whole new energy early.

Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell continues to play like an MVP candidate, and his head coach believes he’s not getting enough credit.

“I think he’s underrated,” Kenny Atkinson told reporters after Mitchell scored 35 points in Monday’s win over the Pistons. “First Team All-NBA, I don’t know why people don’t talk about him more. Because he’s no controversy, low-key, humble? Does that equal you get underrated because of that personality? I don’t know.”

Mitchell has topped 30 points in three of Cleveland’s first four games, helping the Cavs to a 3-1 start heading into Boston on Wednesday.

Celtics

Joe Mazzulla’s rotations remain as fluid as ever. One night you’re a starter, the next you’re sitting.

Rookie forward Hugo Gonzalez didn’t play Monday against the Pelicans after starting the night before in Detroit, part of Mazzulla’s early-season experimentation, per Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe.

“We have a lot of guys, we have a lot of depth,” Mazzulla said. “We can go to offensive lineups, defensive lineups. I thought he did a great job in the 18 minutes he was out there. But you also have to think about matchups. He’s answered the call.”