Tyrese Maxey erupted for a career-high 54 points, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 123-114 overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. His heroic performance included clutch free throws to force overtime and extensive playing time despite a heavy workload.
The game at Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum showcased Maxey’s endurance and scoring prowess, as he played over 46 minutes despite a bruised quadriceps that had him listed as probable. He shot 18-of-30 from the field, including 6-of-15 from three-point range, and made 12-of-14 free throws, demonstrating his versatility and aggression on the second night of a back-to-back. His ability to maintain intensity throughout the contest was a key factor in the 76ers’ resilience.
Regulation was a back-and-forth battle, with the 76ers building a 94-87 lead in the fourth quarter before the Bucks rallied behind Ryan Rollins’ 32 points and 14 assists. Myles Turner hit a three-pointer with 14.8 seconds left to put Milwaukee ahead, but Maxey drove into the lane, drew a foul, and sank two free throws with seven seconds remaining to tie the game at 109-109. Rollins missed a potential game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, sending the contest into overtime.
Maxey’s 54-point outburst set a new personal best, surpassing his previous high of 52 points from April 2024. According to Elias Sports Bureau, he joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only 76ers to record at least 50 points and nine assists in a game, marking his fourth career 50-point performance. This historic achievement underscores his emergence as one of the NBA’s elite scorers and a clutch performer in high-pressure situations.
Philadelphia’s reliance on Maxey has intensified due to injuries, with 2023 MVP Joel Embiid missing his sixth straight game because of a knee issue and Paul George, in his third game back from offseason knee surgery, adding 21 points. Maxey leads the league in minutes played, averaging 40.3 per game, and his scoring average of 33.4 points ranks second only to Luka Doncic, highlighting his critical role in keeping the team competitive amid roster challenges.
For the Bucks, the absence of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, out with a left adductor strain, was evident as they struggled defensively. Rollins stepped up with a career-high-tying 32 points and personal-best 14 assists, while Bobby Portis contributed 19 points and Kyle Kuzma 17, but the team has lost four of its last five games, dropping to an 8-8 record. Inconsistent closing ability and defensive lapses have hampered their performance in recent outings.
In overtime, the 76ers seized control early, scoring the first five points on a Justin Edwards three-pointer and a Maxey basket. Milwaukee narrowed the gap to 113-112 with 1:43 left, but Quentin Grimes hit a crucial three-pointer 20 seconds later to extend Philadelphia’s lead. The 76ers maintained their advantage down the stretch, with Maxey’s leadership ensuring the victory in a game that tested both teams’ depth and stamina.
Maxey’s dedication was praised post-game, as he reportedly lifted weights after the grueling contest, a habit teammates like Paul George noted as characteristic of great players. The win improves Philadelphia to 9-6, positioning them for a playoff push in the Eastern Conference, while the Bucks look to rebound against the Detroit Pistons. Both teams await the return of their star big men to bolster their campaigns in the coming weeks.
