“Better than lame time!” – Tyrese Maxey’s career-high 51-point performance against the Jazz has fans comparing him to Damian Lillard

Tyrese Maxey is a top contender for the NBA Most Improved Player.

“Better than lame time!” – Tyrese Maxey’s career-high 51-point performance against the Jazz has fans comparing him to Damian Lillard

Tyrese Maxey (L) and Damian Lillard (R) (via Open Source/X)

Hours after earning his first All-Star Game selection, Tyrese Maxey delivered an impressive performance, scoring a career-high 51 points to help the Philadelphia 76ers snap a four-game losing streak. Despite star center Joel Embiid‘s absence, the Philadelphia 76ers secured a thrilling 127-124 victory against the Utah Jazz on Thursday night.

Embiid, as reported, is set to miss games at least through the weekend due to an injured lateral meniscus on his left knee. Although he was initially set to sit out against Utah, an MRI revealed the injury that would cause him to miss more time.

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Maxey’s remarkable performance included shooting 17-of-27 from the field, 7-of-9 on 3s, and 10-of-11 from the free-throw line. As the first 76er to achieve at least seven 2-point field goals, seven 3s, and seven free throws. Speaking after the game, he said,

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It's been a wonderful day. I keep saying I'm just happy we got to win. It wouldn't have mattered if we lost as we would have been sitting there sad on this long flight to Philly. We needed this emotionally after Big Fella went down and the four games we lost on this trip.

Maxey surpassed his previous career high of 50, achieved on November 12 against Indiana. Securing the victory with two free throws with 4.1 seconds remaining, he showcased resilience. Tobias Harris contributed 28 points, while Kelly Oubre Jr. added 16 for Philadelphia.

Fans rate Tyrese Maxey’s performance over Damian Lillard’s

Social media went crazy after Tyrese Maxey put on a show in Joel Embiid‘s absence to help the 76ers win the Utah Jazz in a scintillating manner. This led to a frenzy on social media with non-stop reaction, especially on the popular social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter) as they wished he was a starter in the NBA All-Star 2024 over Damian Lillard.

Tyrese Maxey
Philadelphia 76ers Tyrese Maxey (via Open Source/X)

One user @HonestKDFan35 tweeted, “Better than Lame time” in reference to Damian Lillard’s well-known clutch moments catchphrase, “Dame Time.”

https://twitter.com/HonestKDFan35/status/1753292986660614530

A couple of other fan’s reactions below:

Fans went on to praise his performance as they tweeted:

On Thursday, Maxey secured his spot as an All-Star reserve, marking the first selection of his promising young career. With his performance against the Utah Jazz, it’s evident that this won’t be Maxey’s last appearance on the All-Star stage. Alongside Joel Embiid, they will proudly represent the Sixers in the upcoming game.

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