Entering Game 5 away from home and being led 3-1 by the New York Knicks in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, the Philadelphia 76ers must win to extend the series, as well as extend their season by at least 1 more match.
The situation was not bright for the Sixers when Joel Embiid had an underwhelming match due to injury, and the team was 6 points behind with 28 seconds left in the fourth quarter. However, Tyrese Maxey was determined to shine for Embiid and was determined to leave New York with a victory.
Watch Tyrese Maxeym’s unbelievable series of “clutch” points, scoring 7 points in the last 26 seconds of the match
After conferring, the 76ers defender coordinated with Joel Embiid to open up space and then threw in a 3-pointer and-1, bringing 4 valuable points to Philly.
Josh Hart the next time he kicked the ball, he threw in 1 of 2 free throws, just enough to restore the 3-point gap. But then Maxey shined again with a similar combination situation, pocketing another 3-point shot from near the midfield logo to send the match into overtime.
The Philadelphia 76ers then won the final 112-106, shortening the series score to 2-3 and headed home to prepare for Game 6.
Sharing after the match, Tyrese Maxey said that Game 5’s shining performance was fueled by his own mistake in the second half of the 4th quarter.
“I was very angry with myself at the end of the match because I missed free throws and also lost the ball at a crucial moment. To the point where Buddy Hield had to grab me and try to wake me up,” Maxey said after the victory.
“It would be very bad to lose a match where we played well for most of the match, especially losing because of our own mistakes. Therefore, I was determined to return to the field and try to correct my mistakes.”
Highlights of Tyrese Maxey’s career-high match at the NBA Playoffs
The owner of the Most Improved Player title this season ended Game 5 with 46 points (17-30 FG) along with 9 assists and 5 rebounds in 52 minutes of play.
He hit seven 3-pointers, including two crazy shots to send the game into overtime. The number of 46 points and 7 3PTM is Tyrese Maxey’s new personal record in the NBA Playoffs, achieved in a match where he almost did not rest a minute.
Joel Embiid played under strength but still got his first triple-double in his postseason career with 19 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists. On the other side of the front line, Jalen Brunson led the New York team with 40 points, 6 assists and 3 steals.
After 5 extremely tense matches, the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers will head to Game 6 taking place on Friday morning, May 3. This time the Sixers will be the home team, hosting the Knicks with the hope of extending the series to 7 games.
