Tyrese Maxey emerged as the hero for the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, leading his team to a thrilling 113-111 victory against the Sacramento Kings. The win marked a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, allowing the Sixers to avoid a loss against a struggling Kings team.
Maxey’s decisive left-handed layup with just 1.3 seconds remaining not only secured the win but highlighted his incredible performance throughout the game. He finished with an impressive 40 points on 12-of-18 shooting and contributed eight assists. Joel Embiid also played a pivotal role, scoring 37 points and dishing out eight assists.
The Kings, who have been struggling this season with a record of 12-37, were led by DeMar DeRozan with 27 points and Dennis Schröder who added 25. The absence of key players, including Quentin Grimes due to a right ankle sprain, further hampered their efforts.
Maxey set the tone early, scoring eight of the Sixers’ first ten points. Demonstrating a newfound shooting confidence, he connected on a step-back three-pointer and a transition basket, breaking out of a recent shooting slump where he averaged just 25 percent from three-point range in his previous eight games. Combined with Embiid, who faced strong defensive challenges, the duo racked up a remarkable 42 points in the first half alone.
Jared McCain struggled to make an impact, finishing with only four points in 15 minutes, which contrasted with his 17-point outing against the Bucks just days prior. Meanwhile, the Sixers faced significant rebounding woes, a recurring theme this season, as they suffered from a 24-0 deficit in second-chance points to the Kings.
Despite their challenges, the Sixers remained resilient. After trailing in the third quarter, they launched a pivotal 9-0 run in the fourth, fueled by Maxey’s drives and Embiid’s scoring from the free throw line. As the game drew to a close, Maxey’s clutch free throws tied the game, setting the stage for his last-minute heroics.
Looking ahead, the 26-21 Sixers will aim to continue their momentum with a 3-0 homestand as they prepare to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night. This victory not only boosts their record but also showcases their ability to perform under pressure, providing a hopeful outlook for the remainder of the season.