Tyrese Maxey hits game-winning layup in 76ers' narrow victory over Kings

Tyrese Maxey drives for the game-winning and-one layup against Sacramento

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey delivered 40 points capped by an and-one lefty layup with seconds remaining to secure a hard-fought win over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night. Maxey scored the final five points, including the clutch bucket over Precious Achiuwa that gave Philadelphia the edge in a tight contest. The victory moved the 76ers to within striking distance of a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference.

Maxey finished 15-for-28 from the field with four three-pointers and went 6-for-7 at the free-throw line in 44 minutes. He added six rebounds, eight assists and three steals, dominating both ends after a slow start. His performance marked his third 40-point game this season and came one night after a 36-point effort in overtime against Houston.

Joel Embiid supported with 37 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks, combining with Maxey for 77 points in the backcourt-frontcourt tandem. Embiid controlled the paint early, scoring 18 in the first half to keep Philadelphia ahead. The duo outscored Sacramento's starters by 25 points through three quarters.

Sacramento stayed close behind De'Aaron Fox's 32 points and Domantas Sabonis' 18 points with 14 rebounds. The Kings rallied in the fourth, tying the score at 112 before Maxey's heroics. Philadelphia's bench provided key minutes from VJ Edgecombe, who added 17 points in his second straight double-figure outing.

Maxey has now scored 30-plus points in seven of his last 10 games, averaging 32.4 points, 6.8 assists and 2.6 steals over that stretch. His eight steals on Monday set a career high and underscored his defensive growth. The 25-year-old All-Star starter leads the East in total steals with 86 entering the night.

The win snapped a two-game skid for Philadelphia, which hosts Toronto next. Maxey spoke postgame about the team's resilience amid injuries to Paul George and others. He credited Embiid's presence for opening driving lanes on the decisive play. Philadelphia improved to 28-19 with the result.