PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers secured a crucial 124-117 victory over the Miami Heat, leveling the season series at 1-1 and keeping the race for the No. 6 seed in the East alive. This win was powered by their All-Star starter, who delivered when it mattered most.
Tyrese Maxey shone brightly, racking up 28 points and 11 assists. He made some franchise history along the way, sinking five 3-pointers in the first quarter. His fourth three-pointer of the night marked his 886th career three, surpassing the legendary Allen Iverson for the most in franchise history.
Reflecting on his achievement, Maxey expressed his gratitude, saying, "Yeah, man, that's a blessing, honestly. I'm just happy, man.
I'm blessed. I thank God for the opportunity.
I thank the Sixers organization for drafting me, trusting me, believing in me, and I'm thankful to both my coaches, Doc [Rivers] and [Nick] Nurse, for their confidence in me."
Maxey didn't forget to acknowledge his teammates, both past and present. "Lastly, my teammates, man, everybody.
I gave a shout to Tobias [Harris] earlier. In my rookie year, he told me I was a great shooter even though I wasn't shooting as well as I wanted to.
He said I was a shooter. And then lastly, Joel [Embiid], man.
He's been on me about shooting 10 threes a game since probably my second or third year. I appreciate that."
Surpassing Iverson is no small feat, especially in the same jerseys Iverson wore during his MVP days and finals run. Doing it at home added an extra layer of significance for Maxey.
"Once I heard about it [the record], I wanted to do that at the crib," Maxey shared. "The fans are a big part of my success.
I'm very thankful to all the fans in Philadelphia. We have a special connection, and then to wear these jerseys, that's fun.
AI is somebody who we've all looked up to, who I looked up to, being a small guard, and to be able to pass him in anything in basketball, that's cool, and to have my name next to his is a blessing."
The Sixers will hit the road next, facing off against the Boston Celtics on Sunday.