2025-26 Sixers Bell Ringer Standings:
Tyrese Maxey – 5
Andre Drummond – 2
VJ Edgecombe – 2
Dominick Barlow – 1
Adem Bona – 1
Justin Edwards – 1
Quentin Grimes – 1
Kelly Oubre Jr – 1
Trendon Watford – 1
The Philadelphia 76ers battled for a 123-114 win over the Milwaukee Bucks in overtime on Thursday night thanks to a career-high 54 points from Tyrese Maxey.
The 21 from Paul George didn’t hurt either.
This was the second leg of a back-to-back — yes, another one — for the Sixers, marking their fourth of the season
already. Only 12 more to go! Philly remained shorthanded with Joel Embiid missing his sixth straight contest due to soreness in his right knee (not the one that has been operated on). Kelly Oubre Jr. (LCL sprain) and Adem Bona (ankle sprain) were also unavailable.
The Bucks were without leader Giannis Antetokounmpo for Thursday’s contest.
This was yet another Sixers’ game that went down to the wire in the fourth and even into overtime for extra excitement. If you’re looking for a full game recap, you can find that here.
But here, let’s get to the Bell Ringer.
Paul George: 21 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
Paul George started this one red hot — about as hot as you can get. He hit his first four shots of the evening for the Sixers’ first 11 points of the game all in the first 2:14 of play. For good measure, he assisted the first bucket he didn’t score himself, too.
George is still playing short stints as he works his way back to full-game readiness. Remember, this is only his second game back after an eight-month hiatus. Even so, it doesn’t seem to be affecting his ability to get into the groove of a game quick, and he’s looked extremely comfortable and healthy doing it.
There’s still a bit to go for PG to look like the nine-time NBA All-Star that he is, but these first few performances back have been extremely promising. The jumpers falling, getting downhill, grabbing boards, playing great defense while looking agile and healthy hopefully all spells the start of great things ahead for George.
PG finished tonight with 21 points, the second-highest scorer for the Sixers behind Maxey’s dominance, on 7-for-12 field goal shooting (58.3%) and was 4-for-7 from long range (57.1%). He also had five rebounds, three assists and two steals in 24:42 played.
Tyrese Maxey: 54 points (career-high), 5 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks
Holy moly, Tyrese Maxey.
The Bucks did not seem to have an answer for Maxey. The guard was extremely aggressive getting downhill early and often, getting through the Milwaukee defense with ease to the cup where he either finished smoothly at the rim, drew fouls, or did both. When he wasn’t doing that, Maxey was sinking silky smooth threes (even from just about the logo) or showing off some great playmaking skills. Maxey was pulling every single trick out of his bag tonight and my goodness, was it dominant.
He also continued to have really solid hands on defense this season, forcing turnovers out of opponents and helping the Sixers get out and running in transition for quick buckets. Maxey had three steals and three blocks in this one.
Even turnovers of his own, something that can happen with Maxey at times, weren’t too much of a factor tonight. He had five turnovers throughout this one in over 46 minutes played. With how involved he was in basically being the Sixers’ entire offense at times, it’s extremely efficient. He was able to be careful with the ball without being reserved or hesitant in the slightest. He had one rough turnover late in regulation, but it looked like he was trying to make something out of a completely broken play from the beginning — plus he scored 54 points — so we’ll give him a break there.
Certainly didn’t look like a guy who traveled overnight after playing more than 38 minutes just 24 hours ago. Not much more you can ask of your point guard. He finished with a career-high 54 points and in an overtime game where the Sixers’ needed every single one, shooting 18-for-30 (60%) from the floor, 6-for-15 (40%) from long range and 12-for-14 (85.7%) from the charity stripe. He also had five boards, nine assists, three steals and three blocks. It was an incredible night for Maxey.
Don’t take my word for it, though, just watch what he was able to do Thursday night below.
