Move over, Hollywood! The latest blockbuster didn’t come from a Lakers superstar, but from the fearless Tyrese Maxey, who single-handedly lit up the court like a Fourth of July firework show. The Philadelphia 76ers guard torched LeBron James and his crew, dropping an electrifying 43 points in a 118-104 rout at home. And yes, he did it without Joel Embiid and Paul George—because who needs superstars when Maxey is out there treating defenders like training cones?
Undermanned, But Overpowered
The Sixers (18-27) have had a season that feels like a never-ending hospital drama—injuries stacking up like bad Yelp reviews for a Philly cheesesteak joint that ran out of cheese. With six players on the injury report, including Embiid (knee) and George (finger—yes, really), things looked grim.
Enter Maxey, who not only stepped up but moonwalked into the spotlight, sinking 15 of 26 shots (57.7%), including four bombs from deep. He didn’t just score; he put the Lakers in a blender, hit ‘smoothie mode,’ and served them a loss with extra ice.
Maxey’s First Half: A One-Man Symphony of Buckets
If the first quarter was a sneak peek, the second was a full-blown feature film. Maxey poured in 27 points by halftime, sending the Sixers to a comfortable 48-32 second-quarter advantage. The Lakers tried everything—doubling him, switching defenders, even wishing upon a star—but nothing worked. By the end of the third quarter, Maxey had already hung 41 points on them, taking the final period off like a boss who finished his shift early.
After the game, Maxey channeled his inner philosopher when speaking with TNT’s Jared Greenberg:
“Hope.” That’s all he needed to say.
He reminded everyone that the Sixers, at full strength, are a force to be reckoned with. “We had three or four games around Christmas where everybody was healthy, and we won convincingly,” he said. “So, if we can get back healthy, get guys to keep playing hard, who knows what could happen?” Translation: “Y’all better not sleep on us.”
LeBron Tips His Crown to Maxey
Even the King had to acknowledge the madness. LeBron James, who has seen just about everything in his two-decade career, was left shaking his head at Maxey’s speed and offensive wizardry.
“He’s one of the most dynamic, fast guys in our league,” LeBron admitted. “We did a good job early, but he started hitting those midrange step-back twos. Then we pressed up on him, and he just zoomed by us.” In other words, no defensive setting worked. Lakers’ defensive strategy? Try turning off and back on again.
Maxey, meanwhile, got something even more special than the win—a game-worn jersey from King James himself.
“I waited five years to ask for this,” Maxey confessed. “I know I’ve known you for a while, but I think I’m gonna get it this year.” LeBron, likely exhausted from chasing Maxey around all night, simply agreed. Big brother duties fulfilled.
What’s Next?
Maxey will look to keep his red-hot streak alive as the Sixers continue their six-game homestand against the Sacramento Kings (24-22). Meanwhile, the Lakers, fresh off watching Maxey turn them into a viral highlight reel, will have to regroup after snapping their four-game win streak.
One thing is certain: Tyrese Maxey has arrived, and the NBA better buckle up. Because if this is what he’s doing while his co-stars are out, imagine the fireworks when Philly gets its full squad back.