During the recent All-Star Weekend, Tyrese Maxey made history as the first Philadelphia 76ers player to compete in the 3-Point Contest since Kyle Korver in 2005. However, Maxey’s performance fell short, as he was eliminated early with a score of just 17 points in the first round, failing to advance in the competition.
In contrast, Kon Knueppel, Devin Booker, and Damian Lillard emerged as finalists, with Lillard clinching the title for the third time by scoring 29 points. While the contest showcased some impressive shooting, not all went smoothly during the weekend.
Critics have raised concerns about the overall atmosphere and attendance at recent All-Star events. Reports suggested that the Intuit Dome appeared noticeably empty during the Rising Stars event, raising questions about fan engagement and the timing of the games. As the 3-Point Contest commenced at 2 p.m. local time, daylight still penetrated the arena, which added to the unusual ambiance.
Observers noted that this lack of energy was surprising for an event intended to celebrate basketball talent and entertainment. Despite the staggering moments from individual players, the overall sentiment regarding the weekend was one of confusion and disappointment, as some feel the NBA has distanced itself from its core audience.
While Sixers fans might have hoped for a stronger showing from Maxey, the team’s focus remains on upcoming spring games, where they will have the opportunity to refocus and prepare for the playoff stretch ahead.