Maxey Unleashes Late-Game Heroics, 76ers Force Game 6

In an electrifying display of clutch basketball, Tyrese Maxey etched his name into NBA playoff lore, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a thrilling 112-106 overtime victory against the New York Knicks in Game 5 of their first-round series. With his team staring elimination in the face, trailing by six points with just 28 seconds remaining in regulation, Maxey erupted for seven points in a blink of an eye, conjuring memories of Reggie Miller’s legendary 8-point outburst in 9 seconds at Madison Square Garden.

Maxey’s heroics began with a four-point play, cutting the deficit to two with 25 seconds left. After Josh Hart’s free throw, the 22-year-old guard launched a desperation heave from 35 feet, tying the game at 97-97 with 8.1 seconds remaining, silencing the raucous Knicks crowd and sending the contest into overtime.

“Going through my mind right there was just, find a way to survive,” Maxey said after the game, his 46-point masterpiece etched into the annals of NBA playoff history.

In the extra period, the 76ers seized control, fueled by Maxey’s relentless offensive onslaught and Joel Embiid’s all-around brilliance. Embiid, the team’s franchise centerpiece, stuffed the stat sheet with 19 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists, orchestrating the offense with poise and precision.

The 76ers’ victory sets the stage for a pivotal Game 6 on Thursday night in Philadelphia, where they will look to force a decisive Game 7 while trailing 3-2 in the series.

Elsewhere, Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers held off a valiant effort from Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic, securing a 104-101 win to take a 3-2 series lead. Mitchell poured in 28 points, while Evan Mobley’s clutch block on Franz Wagner’s potential game-tying layup in the final seconds sealed the victory.

In the night’s other playoff contest, the Milwaukee Bucks staved off elimination, routing the Indiana Pacers 116-97 behind a combined 58 points from Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis. While the Pacers still lead the series 3-2, the Bucks remain hopeful for the potential returns of superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard before the series concludes.

As the NBA playoffs continue to captivate audiences with its high-stakes drama and unforgettable moments, the 76ers’ stunning comeback, orchestrated by the fearless Tyrese Maxey, stands as a testament to the resilience and never-say-die attitude that defines the game’s greatest players.