WATCH: Tyrese Maxey grabs a referee’s hand just so she wouldn’t call a technical during Jazz game

Tyrese Maxey was selected with the 21st overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers.

WATCH: Tyrese Maxey grabs a referee’s hand just so she wouldn’t call a technical during Jazz game

Tyrese Maxey hit a career-high 51 points in the win against the Utah Jazz. (via Open Source/X)

Tyrese Maxey was the leader the Philadelphia 76ers needed, as reigning MVP and on-court leader Joel Embiid was sidelined due to a left meniscus knee injury. Maxey also played a key role as the 76ers ended their four-game losing run against the Utah Jazz in what was a hard-fought victory.

Maxey was present to diffuse a situation that involved teammate, Mo Bamba. His calm presence helped save the day as the referees contemplated making a call that may have resulted in Bamba’s ejection.

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Mo Mamba had attempted to block Utah Jazz’s John Collins’ shot which then led to him making an unusual contact with the opposing center for the Jazz. A heated verbal argument between both players began which led to the referees rushing in.

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Before the referee could make a technical foul call against the 76ers, Maxey rushed in, shielded his teammate, and appeared to prevent the ref from making the call by holding onto her hand. He obviously wanted to save his team and teammate in the process.

Mo Bamba, already under scrutiny from fans for subpar performances on the court, concluded the game with 4 points and 9 rebounds. In stark contrast, Maxey delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a season-high 51 points, along with 2 rebounds and 1 assist.

Tyrese Maxey joins elite list in Philadelphia 76ers record book

Securing a hard-fought victory against the Utah Jazz, the Philadelphia 76ers owe much of their success to Tyrese Maxey’s stellar performance. Shattering his own career-high with an explosive 51 points, the 23-year-old All-Star played a pivotal role in the Sixers’ 127-124 triumph. Adding to the significance of the achievement, Maxey was named to the All-Star reserves just a few hours prior.

Tyrese Maxey (via Open Source/X)
Tyrese Maxey (via Open Source/X)

Maxey’s earlier 50-point game against the Indiana Pacers on November 12, 2023, was a remarkable feat. However, his second 50+ point game has elevated him into an exclusive club. Joining the likes of NBA legends Wilt Chamberlain and Allen Iverson, as well as his teammate Joel Embiid, Maxey stands as one of the few 76ers in league history with multiple 50-point games in a single season.

Tyrese Maxey has emerged as a leading contender for this season’s NBA Most Improved Player. Currently, he maintains an impressive average of 17.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game for the Philadelphia 76ers.

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