After falling to the Toronto Raptors, 121–112, on Wednesday, the Sixers bounced back twenty-four hours later with a much-needed win in Milwaukee, defeating the Bucks 123–114 in overtime. Philadelphia dominated the extra period, outscoring Milwaukee 17–8 to close out the victory.
The Sixers earned the win despite being without Joel Embiid, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Adem Bona. It marked Embiid’s sixth consecutive absence as he continues to manage a new right-knee issue. Notably, this is not the left knee that has required multiple procedures in recent seasons.
Paul George, making his second appearance of the season, delivered an encouraging performance with 21 points in 25 minutes on 7-of-12 shooting. But the night belonged to Tyrese Maxey, who continued his MVP-caliber campaign with a historic outing. Maxey erupted for a career-high 54 points to go along with nine assists, five rebounds, three blocks, and three steals, shooting 18-of-30 from the floor and 12-of-14 at the line.
With 54 points and nine assists, Maxey joined Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain as the only players in franchise history to record at least 50 points and nine assists in a single game. Chamberlain accomplished this feat on March 18, 1968.
Maxey’s previous career high was a 52-point outing on April 7, 2024, against the San Antonio Spurs.
This season, he trails only one player in scoring, ranking second in the league at 33.4 points per game while also leading the NBA in minutes at 40.7 per contest. For context, Embiid averaged 33.1 points per game during his 2022–23 MVP season.
“I work really hard, man,” Maxey explained postgame. “I just worked really hard trying to take care of my body. Al’s been on me, my trainer, he’s been on me since summertime, just about getting the right shape, getting the conditioning, lifting after games, getting treatment, all those different things. So I appreciate him for that.”
While Maxey’s production has been nothing short of remarkable, there may be some lingering concern about whether such a heavy workload could take a toll as the season wears on and the playoffs approach.
Off the bench Thursday, Quentin Grimes added 14 points, while VJ Edgecombe recorded 12 points and a team-high 10 rebounds. Edgecombe also ranks second in the NBA in minutes per game, trailing only Maxey.
While Maxey continues to shine, it’s fair to argue that Philadelphia’s postseason ceiling will ultimately hinge on the health and production of George and Embiid if the team hopes to make a deep playoff run.
The Sixers return home Sunday to host the Miami Heat.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.