Maxey Scores Career-High 50, Sixers Win Eighth Straight
Despite facing unusual circumstances, the Sixers were able to secure a 137-126 victory over the Indiana Pacers, extending their winning streak to eight games. With Kelly Oubre Jr. out due to a fractured rib suffered in a car accident, Tyrese Maxey stepped up in a big way. Maxey set a new career high with 50 points on 20-for-32 shooting, along with seven rebounds, five assists, and three blocks. His prior career high had been a 44-point outing last October against the Raptors.
Joel Embiid also had a strong performance, posting 37 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists. Despite Indy’s Tyrese Haliburton’s 25 points and 17 assists, the Sixers came out on top.
Early in the game, the Sixers utilized an empty-side Maxey-Embiid pick-and-roll from the left wing, scoring on every one of their first five consecutive half-court possessions. Embiid tallied an efficient 19 points in the first quarter, leading the Sixers to an 11 point lead.
Maxey’s performance was pivotal for the team, as he propelled the Sixers to a 55-36 lead in the first half, alongside Embiid. However, T.J. McConnell of the Pacers was instrumental in turning things around, exerting heavy ball pressure on Maxey and driving the Pacers to cut the deficit to 69-60 by halftime.
In the second half, Indiana’s offense accelerated, posting 39 points in the third quarter and closing the gap to just one going into the fourth. The Sixers worked hard on offensive rebounds, grabbing 23 for the game. Tobias Harris, with 18 points and nine rebounds, was also a key contributor in the fourth, as the Sixers leaned on Maxey and Harris to secure the win.
Maxey’s performance was truly stellar, with him reaching the 50-point mark after taking a deep step-back three and drilling it. “I think Joel wanted me to get 50 more than I think myself did,” Maxey said. “He went to grab the ball and was like, ‘You are going to shoot this basketball.” Maxey also expressed appreciation for his teammates, the fans, and the coaching staff.
The Sixers will host the Pacers again on Tuesday evening, with hopes to continue their successful winning streak. With Oubre’s status still up in the air, there’s no doubt that the Sixers will look to Maxey to carry their success into their next matchup.