On an off night in New York, Tyrese Maxey battled both physical discomfort and the chill of a challenging evening.
Amidst his struggles, Monday presented a different kind of challenge for Maxey. Despite his valiant efforts, a pivotal turnover marred his stellar performance as the Philadelphia 76ers fell short in a 104-101 loss to the New York Knicks, who now lead the first-round series 2-0.
Maxey’s resilience shone through despite his illness, as he remarkably contributed 35 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds, despite missing the morning shootaround due to feeling unwell since Sunday night.
Setting the tone early with a flurry of three consecutive 3-pointers, Maxey’s determination remained unwavering throughout the game. As the Knicks seized control in the third quarter, the young point guard showcased his prowess, particularly in the fourth quarter.
Displaying his trademark speed and skill, Maxey amassed 15 crucial points in the final period, propelling the Sixers to a 100-96 lead with just over a minute remaining. However, a critical turnover in the closing moments proved costly.
With the game on the line, Philadelphia attempted to inbound the ball to Maxey, but an unfortunate mishap ensued, leading to a turnover that allowed the Knicks to capitalize with a pivotal 3-pointer by Donte DiVincenzo. Despite Maxey’s subsequent attempt to reclaim the lead with a drive to the basket, his efforts were thwarted, leaving the Sixers empty-handed once again.
Maxey’s remarkable performances in Games 1 and 2, tallying a total of 68 points, highlight his emergence as a key player for the Sixers. However, despite his individual brilliance, Philadelphia finds themselves trailing in the series, emphasizing the team’s need to rally together and turn the tide in their favor.
