Tyrese Maxey never got to play in the NCAA Tournament, as his Kentucky career was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic that ground the country to a halt in March of 2020. Wildcats fans may never let go of what could have been that year, but that hasn't deterred the former blue and white guard from becoming one of the best young players in the NBA.
Maxey's rise was on full display over the weekend, as the star helped his Philadelphia 76ers to an improbable series win over the Boston Celtics for the first time since 1982. That's real-time history at the hands of a fan-favorite Wildcat.
If Maxey's performance since the Celtics lead this series 3-1 is any indication, the Cats could've truly turned it around given a little more time in Lexington.
Tyrese Takes Boston
Maxey saved his best for last. In game five he scored 28 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists. Then, in game six, Maxey scored 30, grabbed two boards, and once again dealt 5 assists. A great run, but with the series moving back to Boston, hope seemed lost for a 76ers team that fought harder than anyone truly expected them to.
The Celtics, though, were without Jayson Tatum, who missed game seven due to knee tightness - Tatum had come back earlier than anticipated from a torn Achilles. The result was of dear cost to the home team at TD Garden.
Maxey nearly managed a triple-double in one of the most important games of his NBA career.. He finished with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. Not only did Maxey score, but he did it with diehard efficiency.
Philadelphia's leading guard went 11-18 from the floor and 6-6 from the free throw line in the pivotal contest. Ultimately, this nonstop blitz from Maxey was too much for a shorthanded Boston team, as the Celtics fell 109-100 at home in spite of an attempted fourth quarter contest.
While Maxey and the 76ers have the New York Knicks up next, this series win is one that will form a cornerstone of the franchise's modern history for a long time to come. Maxey, while quickly forming a legacy in Philly, already has a permanent home with the BBN.
Kentucky guards just do it different; Maxey is the latest in a long line of examples, and could be one of the best when it's all said and done.
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