Tyrese Maxey starred once again for the Philadelphia 76ers, guiding his team to a dramatic 139-134 overtime win over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night. The dynamic guard poured in 39 points and handed out 10 assists, helping the Sixers erase a 16-point deficit to preserve their unbeaten start to the season.
Philadelphia looked on the ropes after three quarters, trailing 110-94 as the Wizards’ offense clicked early behind Alex Sarr’s 31-point performance. But in the fourth quarter, the 76ers turned up their defensive intensity, holding Washington to just 16 points and forcing overtime after Khris Middleton’s last-second jumper rimmed out with the score tied at 126.
In overtime, the Sixers briefly fell behind by five before storming back with a 9-0 run. Rookie center Adem Bona made his presence felt on defense, swatting crucial shots and sealing the win with a powerful follow dunk in the final 30 seconds. Washington made one last push with Kyshawn George’s late three-pointer, but Maxey iced the game from the free-throw line to secure victory.
Despite Joel Embiid’s limited minutes, the Sixers’ bench and young players stepped up admirably. Bona’s defensive energy, paired with Maxey’s poise under pressure, ensured Philadelphia maintained its perfect start to the campaign.
Meanwhile, in Sacramento, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered another clutch performance as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Kings 107-101 to improve to 5-0. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points, including nine in the final quarter, recovering from a quiet third period to guide his team across the finish line. Aaron Wiggins and Ajay Mitchell chipped in with 18 points apiece, while the Thunder overcame the absences of Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Isaiah Joe.
Sacramento’s Zach LaVine led his team with 23 points, supported by DeMar DeRozan’s 19 and a strong defensive showing from Domantas Sabonis, who grabbed 18 rebounds. Former Thunder star Russell Westbrook added 16 points and nine boards in his first start of the season.
In Milwaukee, Giannis Antetokounmpo powered the Bucks to a 121-111 comeback win over the New York Knicks, ending their rivals’ five-game winning streak. The Greek superstar tallied 37 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, helping his team overturn a 12-point halftime deficit.
Reflecting on the win, Antetokounmpo admitted it meant more than most. “For sure, it was a lot extra,” he said. “They swept us last year… I remember. I don’t forget things.” Jalen Brunson scored 36 for the Knicks before exiting late with an injury, but his efforts couldn’t stop Milwaukee’s surge.
It was a night defined by resilience — from Maxey’s overtime brilliance to Gilgeous-Alexander’s late-game control and Antetokounmpo’s determined leadership — as the NBA’s early contenders continued to assert themselves.
