Tyrese Maxey had the performance of his life in Game 1 of the Philadelphia 76ers’ Eastern Conference First Round series against the Toronto Raptors, as he led the way with a game-high 38 points.

The Raptors did not have much of an answer for the second-year guard, as he continually pushed up play into the paint with ease over the course of the game. From his five total 3-pointers to his 21-point third quarter, Joel Embiid and James Harden simply watched in awe as the speedy guard put the 76ers on his back.

Speaking during his post-game press conference, Harden took some time to laud Maxey and his stout Game 1 performance. Overall, Harden was pleased to see the work pay off for Maxey in the team's biggest contest of its season to date.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) passes the ball away from Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Cameron Matthews (4) during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center.
Ranking 3 best VJ Edgecombe destinations in 2025 NBA Draft
Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain (20) holds his head next to Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) after a hard fall during the third quarter.
Jared McCain’s insane reaction to Haliburton’s shot to force OT

“You put the work in and great things happen for you,” Harden said.

Maxey set a new career-high in points with 38, and he also broke multiple 76ers playoff records. For one, he became the youngest player in team history to score 30-plus points in a playoff game. More so, his 21-point third quarter was the second-most by a Sixers player in a single quarter over the past 25 postseasons.

Maxey and the Sixers will now look ahead to Game 2 of the series on Monday, where they will have an opportunity to clinch a commanding 2-0 lead over Toronto.