Maxey's clutch performance and Embiid's late heroics in Game 5 revive 76ers' hopes, series now 2-3.
On May 2, 2024, in a dramatic turn of events during Game 5 of their series against the New York Knicks, the Philadelphia 76ers staved off elimination thanks to a stellar performance by 23-year-old guard Tyrese Maxey. With the 76ers trailing by six points in the final minute, Maxey's remarkable shooting, including a game-tying "four-point play" and a crucial three-pointer, propelled the game into overtime, where the 76ers clinched a 112-106 victory.
Maxey, overshadowing the Knicks' defensive focus on Joel Embiid, scored a personal playoff-high of 46 points, highlighted by seven three-pointers. His crucial contributions in the last 25 seconds of the fourth quarter and subsequent plays in overtime played a pivotal role in the 76ers' comeback to narrow the series deficit to 2-3.
Embiid, who found his stride late in the game, made significant defensive stops and a crucial three-point play in the final moments, contributing 19 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists. Maxey, reflecting on his performance, expressed a single-minded focus: "The season hangs on a thread, but I always believe in my own efforts and everything I have given in this life. At important moments, I only think about how to score the ball."
On the Knicks side, Jalen Brunson's 40 points weren't enough to seal the win, leading coach Tom Thibodeau to comment on the need for tougher play and critical mistakes that allowed Maxey to capitalize.
In another playoff game, the Milwaukee Bucks, despite the absence of stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, secured a 115-92 victory over the Indiana Pacers, driven by Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis who combined for 58 points. This win also reduced their series deficit to 2-3.
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