New York, November 21, 2025
Tyrese Maxey led the Philadelphia 76ers to a 123-114 overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night in Philadelphia, scoring a career-high 54 points. The win came in the absence of both teams’ star players, with Maxey playing a pivotal role in a tightly contested game that extended into overtime.
Maxey’s Career-High Scoring Performance
Maxey delivered an extraordinary offensive display, scoring 54 points on an efficient 18-of-30 shooting from the field, including 6-of-15 from three-point range. Beyond scoring, he contributed across the stat sheet with nine assists, five rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. This performance surpassed his previous career high of 52 points, set just weeks earlier on April 27, 2024, against San Antonio.
Maxey’s impact was especially evident in the critical closing moments of regulation. With 7.0 seconds left, he sank two vital free throws to tie the game and force overtime. In the extra period, Maxey further sealed the outcome by making four more free throws in the final 22.7 seconds, ensuring the 76ers’ edge over the Bucks.
Decisive Role of Supporting Players and Overtime Dynamics
In overtime, Justin Edwards was instrumental for the 76ers, hitting a go-ahead three-pointer just 40 seconds into the extra frame that gave Philadelphia the lead they maintained. Edwards also secured an offensive rebound late in the period, setting up two crucial free throws by Quentin Grimes.
On the Bucks’ side, Ryan Rollins was the leading scorer with 32 points, but his potential game-winning shot at the buzzer fell short, clinching the 76ers’ win.
Context of the Game and Team Dynamics
This game featured both teams operating without their marquee stars. The 76ers continued to manage without Joel Embiid, who was sidelined for the sixth consecutive game due to a knee injury. The Bucks were similarly without Giannis Antetokounmpo. This situation put an increased burden on Maxey, who has been a workhorse for Philadelphia this season, leading the NBA with an average of 40.3 minutes per game prior to Thursday.
Philadelphia’s reliance on Maxey has intensified amid injuries affecting key players such as Embiid and Paul George, the latter of whom missed the first 12 games after offseason knee surgery. Despite significant physical contact and fatigue, Maxey remained resilient across 46 minutes on the court, demonstrating his durability and value to the team.
Emergence of Maxey as a Franchise Leader
The 76ers’ victory against a strong Milwaukee squad highlights Maxey’s rising status as a superstar-caliber player. His ability to dominate a game single-handedly and deliver under pressure underscores his critical role in Philadelphia’s ambitions amid their current injury challenges. Maxey’s performance on Thursday signals his evolution into a pivotal figure capable of shaping the team’s success moving forward.