Sixers: Tyrese Maxey Reveals Extreme Measures He Took to Play in Game 2 vs Knicks Despite Illness

Tyrese Maxey - Philadelphia 76ers v New York Knicks - Game One

(Photo : Elsa/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - Tyrese Maxey (#0) of the Philadelphia 76ers prepares to take the court during player introductions before game one of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2024 in New York City.

Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey came close to missing Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks on Monday, April 22, at Madison Square Garden in New York.

The 2024 NBA All-Star entered the day as questionable due to illness, but he made every effort to ensure he could participate in the game.

"I don't feel great, all honestly... I really can't stand taking medicine, but I took medicine, took an IV, I did everything they asked me to do... I wasn't missing the game," the 23-year-old said during the post-game press conference.

Maxey also mentioned that he struggled to move last night and felt unwell after the game. The former Kentucky standout missed the team's morning shootaround before eventually warming up in the afternoon.

Tyrese Maxey was magnificent vs Knicks despite illness

Maxey was stellar in Game 2, scoring 35 points on 12-of-22 shooting from the field, including 5-of-11 from three-point range, in more than 44 minutes of play.

Additionally, Maxey contributed nine rebounds and ten assists throughout the evening.

However, he faced a challenging stretch in the closing moments, as a potential go-ahead layup was blocked by Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein with less than ten seconds left.

In the final possession, Maxey faced intense defensive pressure, forcing him to pass to Joel Embiid, who attempted an awkward game-tying three-pointer as Knicks managed to hold on to a 104-101 victory.