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03 February 2025

Tyrese Maxey Shines Amid All-Star Snub Debate

76ers guard continues to break records, raising eyebrows over his All-Star candidacy.

Tyrese Maxey has emerged as one of the NBA's rising stars, and his recent performances are turning heads. On Friday night, during the Philadelphia 76ers' matchup against the Denver Nuggets, Maxey scored 42 points, marking his ninth career 40-point game. With this latest feat, he surpassed Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, securing the second-most 40-point games for the franchise before turning 25. Only Allen Iverson stands above him with 16 such games.

Maxey’s performance was highlighted by his explosive play, as he effortlessly sliced through the defense and finished strong at the rim. After the game, he reflected on his achievements, expressing gratitude for his talent and the support from the franchise. “I always trust my work … but I didn’t think of this,” he said. “You know what I mean? I’m just very grateful. God blessed me with an unbelievable talent, with an unbelievable work ethic and an unbelievable franchise.” His deep appreciation resonates strongly within the Sixers' organization, where his potential has always been viewed with excitement.

Even before his stunning 42-point game, Maxey was already impressing fans and analysts alike. Before playing the Boston Celtics last Sunday, he ranked fourth in the NBA, averaging 27.5 points per game, and third for steals with 1.9. His offensive prowess and ability to disrupt opposing plays have made him invaluable. Sixers coach Nick Nurse, who recognized Maxey's potential early on, recalled coaching against him three seasons ago when he quickly became the focus of the Raptors’ game plan. “There are some things you can do to disrupt some people, but with Maxey, it was hard,” Nurse stated. “You walk out of those games thinking, ‘Man, he’s really, really good.’”

Maxey's season has been remarkable not only for his scoring but also for his impressive shooting from long range. Over the past few games, he made six three-pointers against the Nuggets, moving up the leaderboard for most threes made by a Sixer. Within just over 300 games, he has already surpassed the legendary Kyle Korver, and he currently trails only Robert Covington and Iverson. This achievement is particularly significant considering his early career concerns surrounding his three-point shooting ability. By his sophomore year, Maxey dispelled those doubts, maintaining extraordinary shooting percentages.

Despite this stellar performance, there are whispers of disappointment surrounding his exclusion from the All-Star game. Some fans and media are scratching their heads over how Maxey, who is performing at such high levels, could be overlooked. The 76ers have faced significant injuries this season, losing key players like Joel Embiid and others, which places even heavier expectations on Maxey's shoulders. Yet, he's stepped up, showcasing his talent on both ends of the court.

Maxey's road hasn’t always been smooth. He struggled early this season with consistency from beyond the arc, recording only 34 percent shooting from three through 40 games. Nonetheless, his scoring averages are at the peak of his young career, now resting at 28 points per game. It’s certainly within reach for him to surpass Covington for the third-most threes made with just 58 needed. Meanwhile, Iverson’s record of 883 threes made continues to loom large.

Maxey's blend of speed and skill makes him one of the most exciting players to watch. He has become a cornerstone for the Sixers' offensive strategy, proving integral as they navigate the season’s challenges. The 76ers' management and fans are optimistic about what lies ahead for Maxey, and his rising scoring average only serves to reinforce his All-Star candidacy.

Looking forward, Tyrese Maxey aims to build on his impressive performances, and with more games approaching, he has the opportunity to not only solidify his place as one of the league's elite young talents but also, perhaps, find himself among this year's All-Stars. His desire to follow the footprints of Philadelphia legends remains vivid, as he battles not just for personal accolades, but for the success of his team.