PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 16: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks against the Toronto Raptors during Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round at Wells Fargo Center on April 16, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

By Dylan MacKinnon

Philadelphia’s favorite person right now had perhaps the best game of his career last night. It was his first-ever playoff start, and Tyrese Maxey went off for 38pts. 21 of which came in the third quarter. It was a great night for the whole team, but Maxey was the star.

He became the 3rd youngest player to ever score 38pts in the playoffs, and the youngest Sixer to ever score 30+ in the playoffs. He finished just 1 point from matching his previous career-high. Doc Rivers tried to leave him in to give him a chance to beat it, but with time running out, and the Sixers up big, he never got there. But that in no way took away from how brilliant he was.

Afterward, coach Doc Rivers praised the fact Tyrese Maxey never seems to feel any anxiety on the floor. He just plays.

“He just doesn’t play with anxiety. That’s why you love him. There’s certain players like that. There’s not a lot that ruffles him.”

Philly fans were understandably giddy about Maxey’s performance after the game. But with the game being on the National Stage, far more than just Philadelphians were raving about Tyrese. Here are some of the best examples of people reacting to Maxey’s big night.

  • Darius Slay

    Starting local, the Eagles Pro Bowl Corner pointed out that many teams passed on Tyrese, letting him fall to the Sixers. And while Slay recently stabbed Philly in the back by advocating for Jokic to win MVP, surely there can be a temporary truce for us all to celebrate Maxey’s brilliance together.

  • Avonte Maddox

    Slay was not the only Eagles corner reacting to Maxey though. Maddox was curious how he could be more like Tyrese.

  • Kendrick Perkins

    Perk has been one of the Sixers’ defenders this season. He is the voice of reason on ESPN, often explaining why Embiid is the best player in the world. But his love is not just limited to the big man. Perk explained that it is now a BIG 3 because Maxey has emerged as a true star.

  • Maxx Crosby

    Even in Las Vegas the story of the night was what Maxey did. The Raiders star pass rush rusher took the time to recognize what Maxey did.

  • Derek Carr

    Crosby was not the only Raiders star locked into what Maxey was doing though. Their recently resigned QB also recognized that Maxey is indeed the real deal.

  • Kentucky Basketball

    Of course, Tyrese Maxey’s Alma Mater was going to react to his amazing game. Anyone else still thinking how lucky we are that there was no NCAA Tourney the year Maxey came out. If there was, Kentucky may have an extra Championship, and we wouldn’t have Maxey in Philadelphia.

  • Kyle Kuzma

    Maxey’s fellow NBA players already knew he was legit, including the Wizard’s Kyle Kuzma.

  • Immanuel Quickley

    Maxey’s former Kentucky team mate was not going to be left out of the celebration. He joined Sixers fans in chanting “Maxey!” as Tyrese tore apart the Raptors defense.

  • John Kruk

    Word of Maxey’s night traveled to the World of Baseball as well. Phillies Wall of Famer and Current Color Commentator, John Kruk had one simple word to describe what he was witnessing Tyrese do.

  • Stat Muse

    Even Philadelphia’s Mortal Enemy, Stat Muse, could not help but celebrate Tyrese Maxey.