NBA roundup: Maxey magic fires Sixers past Knicks as Bucks stay alive

Tyrese Maxey delivered an impressive 46-point performance, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a thrilling 112-106 overtime victory over the New York Knicks, thus maintaining their NBA Eastern Conference playoff aspirations.

Maxey orchestrated a remarkable comeback for the Sixers in the final quarter, propelling them to victory in overtime and securing a Game 6 in Philadelphia.

Despite the Knicks appearing poised to secure the win with a six-point lead and only 29 seconds remaining,

Maxey's clutch three-pointers from 24 and 34 feet sent the game into overtime, igniting an electrifying duel.

Although the Knicks briefly regained the upper hand, Maxey and NBA MVP Joel Embiid had different plans, spearheading a 9-0 run that gave the Sixers a 106-102 advantage.

Although New York managed to tie the game at 106-106, the Sixers regrouped and pulled away once again to secure the win.

Maxey, fueled by the high stakes, expressed his determination and praised his teammates' resilience, emphasizing their refusal to give up even when facing a late deficit.

His exceptional performance included a 46-point haul, featuring seven three-pointers, while Embiid contributed a triple-double with 19 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Tobias Harris also contributed 19 points, and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 14. On the Knicks' side,

Jalen Brunson led the scoring with 40 points, accompanied by 18 points from Josh Hart and 17 from O.G. Anunoby. The upcoming Game 6 will take place in Philadelphia on Thursday.

The injury-plagued Milwaukee Bucks managed to stay afloat in their game against the Indiana Pacers, triumphing with a score of 115-92 and extending the series to Game 6.

Despite trailing 3-1 and missing key players Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard due to injuries, the Bucks seemed destined for an early exit from the postseason as the Pacers took a commanding 31-23 lead in the first quarter.

However, Milwaukee turned the tide in the second and third quarters, outscoring Indiana 64-36 and seizing control of the game.

Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis led the charge for the Bucks, each contributing 29 points, while Malik Beasley added 18 points to the scoreboard.

On the other side, Tyrese Haliburton was the top scorer for the Pacers with 16 points, but he struggled against Milwaukee's formidable defense throughout the night.

The crucial Game 6 will be held in Indiana on Thursday.

Meanwhile, in Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell delivered an impressive performance, scoring 28 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter, as the Cavaliers secured a hard-fought 104-103 victory over the Orlando Magic. This win gives Cleveland a 3-2 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series.

Orlando had managed to level the series after falling behind 2-0, thanks to convincing wins in Games 3 and 4 on their home court in Florida.

However, the Cavaliers showed resilience and determination, ensuring that they will return to Orlando for Game 6 on Friday with a chance to clinch the series.

"It may not be pretty, but this is the playoffs," Mitchell commented after Cleveland's triumph. "I thrive in the fourth quarter, but I need to step up my game for the team. We have performed well as a unit at home, and now we must handle our business in a hostile environment."

Paolo Banchero led the scoring for Orlando with an impressive stat line of 39 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.