The Philadelphia 76ers staved off elimination with a dramatic 112-106 overtime victory over the New York Knicks in a thrilling Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Tuesday night.
Tyrese Maxey emerged as the Sixers’ hero, erupting for a career-high 46 points. Maxey’s scoring outburst kept Philadelphia in the game throughout, and his clutch plays down the stretch forced overtime and ultimately sealed the win.
The Knicks, leading by six points with under 30 seconds remaining in regulation, seemed on the verge of closing the series. However, Maxey took over. He converted a four-point play with a driving layup and a free throw with 25.4 seconds left. Following a New York free throw, Maxey buried a game-tying three-pointer from 35 feet with just 8.5 seconds remaining, sending the sold-out Madison Square Garden crowd into stunned silence.
In the extra session, the game remained tight. But with the score tied at 108, Kelly Oubre Jr. delivered the decisive basket, a layup that put the 76ers ahead for good. The Knicks couldn’t answer, and Philadelphia held on for a crucial win.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with a valiant 40-point effort, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Maxey’s heroics. The Knicks must regroup and return to Philadelphia for a pivotal Game 6 on Thursday. A win there would even the series and force a deciding Game 7 back in New York.
Maxey’s performance was nothing short of phenomenal. He shot 16-of-33 from the field, including 5-of-10 from three-point range. He also added six rebounds and five assists, showcasing his all-around offensive skillset.
“He’s a special young player,” said Sixers coach Doc Rivers about Maxey. “He’s fearless. He stepped up big-time tonight when we needed him most.”
The win was a much-needed lifeline for the 76ers, who had been heavily criticized for their underwhelming play throughout the series. They came into the playoffs as the favorites but were down 3-1 after a sluggish start.
“We weren’t ready to go home,” said Tobias Harris, another key contributor for Philadelphia with 20 points and 13 rebounds. “We knew we had more to give. This is a big win, but the job’s not finished.”
The atmosphere in Madison Square Garden was electric throughout the night. The Knicks faithful were loud and passionate, willing their team to victory. However, their cheers became groans as Maxey’s heroics stole the show.
The series now shifts back to Philadelphia, where the 76ers will have a chance to tie things up. The pressure will be on the Knicks, who must avoid a collapse after being on the cusp of elimination.
This first-round matchup has become a classic playoff battle. With both teams desperate to avoid going home, Game 6 promises to be another intense and tightly contested affair.
