The Art of the Off-Ball Screen: Maxey's Masterclass vs. Celtics

In the high-stakes chess match between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics yesterday, March 20, 2026, the scoreboard told one story, but the tactical intricacies revealed another. While much attention often gravitates towards isolation heroics or pick-and-roll wizardry, a deeper dive into the film exposes the often-underappreciated art of the off-ball screen – and Tyrese Maxey's surprising mastery of it.

Maxey's Unconventional Screening Prowess

It's not often you highlight a point guard, especially one known for his explosive first step and shooting, as a primary off-ball screener. Yet, against the Celtics' disciplined switching defense, Maxey consistently found himself setting subtle, yet impactful, screens that unlocked the 76ers' offense. This wasn't about bruising post-ups; it was about precision, timing, and intelligent positioning.

Weaponizing the Weakside

One recurring pattern saw Maxey drift to the weakside, often after initiating a pass, and set a quick screen for a cutting Tobias Harris or a relocating Kelly Oubre Jr. In the second quarter, at the 6:42 mark, after dishing to Joel Embiid in the post, Maxey immediately screened Al Horford, who was attempting to deny a baseline cut by Harris. This subtle contact, almost imperceptible to the casual observer, created just enough space for Harris to receive a pass and hit a contested mid-range jumper. Horford, momentarily delayed, couldn't contest effectively. It was a 2-point play born from Maxey's unselfishness and tactical awareness.

The 'Ghost Screen' as a Playmaking Tool

Maxey also employed the 'ghost screen' to perfection. This tactic, where a player fakes setting a screen before flaring out or cutting, is designed to create confusion and exploit overzealous defenders. Early in the third quarter (9:15 mark), Maxey faked a screen for Embiid on the elbow, drawing Jaylen Brown's attention for a split second. Instead of making contact, Maxey ghosted out to the wing, catching a pass from Embiid and draining an uncontested three-pointer. Brown, anticipating the screen and subsequent switch, was left flat-footed. This wasn't a designed play for Maxey to score directly off the screen; it was a proof of his ability to manipulate the defense through deception.

Impact Beyond the Box Score

While Maxey's stat line of 28 points, 6 assists, and 2 rebounds was impressive, the film reveals his profound impact extending beyond these traditional metrics. His five recorded screen assists, though a modest number, don't fully capture the gravity he created. Each time he engaged a defender off-ball, it forced a decision, a slight hesitation, or a momentary miscommunication for the Celtics. This fractional advantage often translated into open looks for teammates, whether it was a step-back jumper for Embiid after Maxey cleared out his defender, or a backdoor cut for De'Anthony Melton when Maxey drew defensive eyes with a well-timed down screen.

Against a top-tier defensive unit like the Celtics, these marginal gains are crucial. Maxey's evolution from a purely on-ball threat to a versatile off-ball contributor, particularly with his intelligent screening, adds another formidable layer to the 76ers' offensive playbook. It's a proof of his continued growth and the coaching staff's willingness to expand his role in unexpected, yet highly effective, ways.