Tyrese Maxey delivered a standout performance, scoring 45 points, including 10 crucial points in overtime. Leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a thrilling 118-114 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday in Indianapolis. This win marks the Sixers’ first of the season.
Maxey ignited the overtime period with a deep step-back three-pointer, setting the tone for the extra session. With just 20.7 seconds remaining, he drove to the basket, drawing a goaltending violation that extended the Sixers’ slim lead to three points. Although Maxey was called for a foul on Andrew Nembhard’s shot attempt on the following Pacers possession. Nembhard managed to convert only one of two free throws, allowing Philadelphia to secure the win. Along with his scoring, Maxey contributed four rebounds and four assists to the team’s efforts.
Philadelphia’s path to overtime was a collective effort. Trailing 102-97 with just over a minute left in regulation after a jumper by Nembhard, the Sixers rallied to force the extra period. Tyrese Haliburton, who led the Pacers with 22 points, hit a crucial three-pointer just before the buzzer to tie the game. But he also struggled with three turnovers against only two assists.
In other notable games:
Clippers 112, Warriors 104
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Golden State Warriors in their home opener, led by Ivica Zubac’s impressive stat line of 23 points, 18 rebounds, and six assists, alongside James Harden, who added 23 points and 11 assists. Norman Powell contributed 20 points, while Derrick Jones Jr. chipped in 18. The Clippers overcame a fourth-quarter surge from the Warriors, who had cut a 13-point lead to just one point with Andrew Wiggins’ three-pointer late in the game. Warriors star Stephen Curry left the game with a sprained left ankle but returned briefly before being subbed out again. Wiggins finished with a game-high 29 points.
Thunder 128, Hawks 104
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his all-around skills with 35 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a decisive victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Chet Holmgren added 25 points and nine rebounds, and Jalen Williams contributed 20 points as the Thunder improved to 3-0 for the first time since 2016. After trailing by one point early in the fourth quarter, Oklahoma City unleashed a dominant 13-0 run to take control of the game. Trae Young led the Hawks with 24 points but struggled with 10 turnovers.
Nets 115, Bucks 102
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, with Cam Thomas scoring 32 points and Dennis Schroder adding 29. The Nets maintained a lead throughout the second half, pulling away in the fourth quarter. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, but the team struggled with their shooting, missing 23 of 33 attempts from beyond the arc.
Trail Blazers 125, Pelicans 103
In Portland, the Trail Blazers achieved their first victory of the season, overpowering the New Orleans Pelicans. Jerami Grant led the way with 28 points, while Deandre Ayton recorded a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Anfernee Simons added 27 points, and all five Blazers starters scored in double figures, outpacing the Pelicans’ bench scoring. CJ McCollum was the top scorer for New Orleans with 27 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Portland’s 24-point lead at one point in the game.
As the NBA season progresses, teams are starting to find their rhythm, setting the stage for exciting matchups ahead.
