Tyrese Maxey gives ailing Joel Embiid the ultimate compliment

The Philadelphia 76ers watched Joel Embiid lock in and eliminate the Boston Celtics with 34 points. Embiid’s latest NBA Playoff performance erased past failures against the Eastern Conference rival. Plus prompted a huge compliment from Tyrese Maxey.

Embiid needed to battle injuries, trade rumors and criticism from the basketball world before the postseason. Despite delivering a decorated pro career, Embiid is yet to play for the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Let alone experience the Eastern Conference Finals.

But Embiid carried the Sixers to the 109-100 victory. His teammate Maxey paid him this ultimate compliment.

“For him to do that for us, all we can do is appreciate it,” Maxey said postgame with NBC Sports. “He’s been doing it all year…his whole career really. The city of Philadelphia should really, really not take it for granted.”

Embiid fired on all cylinders with the season on the line. That includes hitting this early circuit basket over Neemias Queta:

Joel Embiid with a WILD shot over Neemias Queta

He has 10 points and 5 rebounds already in Game 7! pic.twitter.com/O7cu8wpkmd

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 3, 2026

Embiid exploded with 19 points during the first half while grabbing five rebounds and five assists. He executed two blocks as well on the defensive side. Embiid even met Celtics star Jaylen Brown at the rim and swatted his basket…ultimately turning it into a Maxey jumper.

Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey are making it happen in Game 7!

Embiid MET Jaylen Brown at the rim for the rejection and Maxey DRILLS the jumper pic.twitter.com/UIroDYYmom

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 3, 2026

Maxey joined the longtime face of the Sixers with hitting 30 points. He’s another who has witnessed postseason heartbreak and disappointment throughout his Philly career.

Now he and Embiid can celebrate this playoff moment together. Philadelphia continues to extend its impressive postseason run that began as a play-in qualifier. Now the New York Knicks await them in round two.

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