1st Time All-Star Tyrese Maxey Erupts For Career High in Joel Embiid’s Absence

The Philadelphia 76ers faced the Utah Jazz without their big man, Joel Embiid, tonight. Philly is coming off a four-game losing streak since Embiid landed the massive 70 points against the Spurs. Not having the 7-foot center will hurt them, of course. But it seems like the 23-year-old Tyrese Maxey took the lead tonight.

Maxey surpassed his career-high with 51 points in a late surge against the Jazz! He previously landed 50 in 39 minutes on November 12, 2023, vs the Indiana Pacers.

The first-time All-Star hit seven three-pointers while landing 10-of-11 free throws and making 12-of-27 field goals. Tyrese was also on the injury list, having missed three of the past games with a hamstring injury. But he suited up at the right time, determined to take the team on his back.

It seems like the basketball Gods were feeling extra generous tonight. Just hours after being named an All-Star reserve, Maxey joins the league of Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlain and Allen Iverson for having multiple 50+ point games in a season, along with fellow teammate Embiid. To make it extra special, the young guard had zero turnovers. Iverson was the only Sixer to ever do that.

Tyrese Maxey certainly earned all that! Except for him, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Tobias Harris, no Sixer had double digits to show. The Jazz, for their part, put up a good fight but had a third loss handed to them.

The Jazz vs 76ers

Utah’s Lauri Markkanen led the team in scoring and boards 28-10, respectively. Jordan Clarkson also had a double-double with 16 points and a game-high 10 assists. Both teams gave as good as they got. Philly was in the lead at halftime (71-61), but the end of the third quarter saw them tied at 93 points.

Read More: “Didn’t Want to Step On Anybody’s Toes”: Tyrese Maxey Reveals Taking Cautious Approach While Playing With James Harden, Joel Embiid, and Other 76ers Stars

The fourth quarter was when things got interesting. Markkanen had tied the score yet again at 117 with a three. Collin Sexton went ahead to give Utah a 120-117 lead with 2:32 left on the clock. Patrick Beverley’s crunch-time three-pointer with 40 seconds left put the 76ers on top for good.

Although it was a closely contested game down to the last second, tonight was Philly’s. The Sixers will be hosting the Nets next. Philadelphia native and Brooklyn’s lead man, Mikal Bridges, should feel right at home. Ben Simmons, former Sixers’ point guard, can also look for quite the welcome. Philadelphia is a loyal, but unforgiving crowd (remember the welcome they gave Nikola Jokić & Co?).

Can Maxey and the Sixers carry this momentum until Embiid returns? Or will they fall to the Nets, who are fresh off a loss vs the Suns? Let us know what you think.

Watch This Story: Despite Joining Allen Iverson in 76ers List, Tyrese Maxey’s Career-Night Fails to Impress His Father