Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard Tyrese Maxey scored a career-high 39 points in a 103-115 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday afternoon. This was the first start of Maxey's NBA career.

The 76ers only had eight active players due to injuries and the league's health-and-safety protocols, so Maxey was given the start (and plenty of opportunities to score) for Philly.

Maxey shot 18-33 from the field (54.5 percent) and 3-8 from behind the arc (37.5 percent). The 20-year-old also chipped in seven rebounds, six assists and two steals in 44 minutes on the floor.

This was the most points scored by a rookie in his first start since 1970. Before tonight, Maxey averaged just 15 minutes a game, but he should continue to take on an increased role with multiple players out of the lineup for Philadelphia.

On the season, the Kentucky product is now averaging 10.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists on 48.9/36.4/100.0 shooting splits. Philly selected Maxey with the No. 21 pick of the 2020 NBA Draft.

The Sixers will take on the Atlanta Hawks on Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET.