For All-Star-caliber franchise players, attempting to carry a team over the hump often involves raising one’s game to a level even beyond average. On February 9, 2025, that process encouraged Tyrese Maxey to become something he had otherwise rarely been: a rim-protecting shot blocker. Holding true to his promise of putting out more “fires” on the defensive end, the Philadelphia 76ers star springs into action, rotating from the weak side to send Damian Lillard’s layup attempt in the opposite direction. Eyeballing defense-to-offense opportunities immediately after receiving the basketball, Maxey puts together a sequence, finding his fellow high-profile teammate in the left corner for a spot-up 3-pointer. Calling Maxey’s effort “valiant” in the loss to the Milwaukee Bucks would be an understatement, given his 20-point opening quarter and noticeable effort on both sides of the floor. Brilliant throughout, the electrifying fifth-year combo guard led the evening’s scoring column with 39 points (on 16-of-23 shooting), paired with four rebounds, five assists, one steal, one block, and five 3-pointers. · Feb 9, 2025