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0 In a thrilling match between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Utah Jazz on Thursday night, Tyrese Maxey, the 1st-time All-Star, scored a career-high 51 points to help his team win 127-124. Maxey’s impressive performance came just hours after he was named an All-Star for the first time in his career. The 76ers played without their star center Joel Embiid, who was sidelined with an injured lateral meniscus in his left knee and will miss games at least through the weekend.
Maxey’s return after missing three games due to a sprained left ankle was a much-needed boost for the 76ers, who had lost four games on their longest trip of the season. The young guard was 17 of 27 from the field, 7 of 9 on 3s, and made 10 of 11 free throws. He set a new career-high, surpassing his previous best of 50 points, which he had set in November 2021 against the Indiana Pacers.
After the game, Maxey expressed his joy and said that he was “blessed” to have had such a wonderful day. He added that he was happy that his team got the win, as it would have been a long flight back home to Philly if they had lost. Tobias Harris contributed 28 points, and Kelly Oubre Jr. had 16 points for the 76ers.
Maxey’s performance was a sight to behold, as he was aggressive from the start. He said that he wanted to go all out for his teammates and that he didn’t realize he had played 41 minutes in his first game back. He became the first 76er to have at least seven 2-point field goals, seven 3s, and seven free throws.
Although the Jazz trailed almost the entire game, Lauri Markkanen scored 14 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter, and Collin Sexton added 22, hitting back-to-back 3-pointers to give them a 120-117 lead with 2:30 to play. However, Maxey’s 33-foot 3-pointer and Patrick Beverley’s 3 from the corner helped Philadelphia win the match.
Despite some fatigue, the 76ers took advantage of turnovers and got out in transition for 27 fast-break points. Maxey scored from everywhere on the court, and the Jazz even employed a full-court box-and-one defense at times to try and slow him down.
In the second quarter, Maxey hit four free throws to cap a 13-3 run that helped the 76ers take a 71-61 lead into the second half. Maxey had 32 points and made all six of his 3-point attempts in the first half, a career-high.
Overall, it was an impressive performance by Maxey and the 76ers, who will be looking to build on their win in their next game.
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