Tyrese Maxey led the Philadelphia 76ers to their first win of the season, erupting for a season-high 45 points in a 118-114 overtime victory against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. With Philadelphia missing key players, Maxey took control, scoring 10 of the team’s 13 points in the overtime period to seal the win.
The game was tightly contested, with Indiana All-Star Tyrese Haliburton delivering 22 points, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer to force overtime. Despite his late heroics, Haliburton missed crucial free throws in overtime, allowing Philadelphia to secure the victory.
Maxey’s performance also included 14 of Philadelphia’s final 18 points in the third quarter, showcasing his resilience in the face of Indiana’s defensive pressure.
Philadelphia’s Caleb Martin added 17 points and a team-high 12 rebounds, while Eric Gordon contributed 15 points. Andre Drummond’s presence was also felt, with the center collecting 17 rebounds alongside his nine points. The 76ers controlled the boards throughout the game, securing a 54-37 rebounding advantage, including 20 offensive rebounds.
Indiana struggled to match Philadelphia’s pace on the glass, which ultimately impacted their offensive efficiency. Pacers’ Pascal Siakam added 17 points and 6 assists, while Myles Turner contributed 14 points and 4 blocks. Obi Toppin came off the bench with 15 points, and T.J. McConnell chipped in 10 points and 4 assists.
With Joel Embiid and Paul George out due to knee injuries, the 76ers relied heavily on Maxey, whose leadership prevented a potential 0-3 season start. Haliburton, bouncing back from a scoreless outing against New York, kept Indiana in the game but couldn’t deliver in the final seconds.
The game’s turning point came when Haliburton hit a three-pointer with 3.5 seconds left in regulation, tying the score at 105. However, a missed free throw in the final seconds of overtime sealed Indiana’s fate as Philadelphia captured the defensive rebound, ending the Pacers’ rally.
Philadelphia shot efficiently from beyond the arc, while Indiana struggled at the free-throw line, hitting only 23 of 34 attempts. The Pacers are now 0-3 and searching for answers as they head deeper into the season.
