On Thursday night in Philadelphia, Tyrese Maxey surpassed Allen Iverson’s long-standing 76ers franchise record for three-pointers, sinking five 3-point shots and contributing 28 points to lead the Sixers to a 124-117 win over the Miami Heat. Maxey also dished out 11 assists, playing a crucial role in steadying the team after they lost a 16-point halftime advantage.
The victory marked the Sixers’ third consecutive win following a four-game skid. Joel Embiid added 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Kelly Oubre scored 21 points. For Miami, Bam Adebayo posted 29 points and 14 rebounds, and Tyler Herro contributed 25 points, with the Heat dropping their second straight game.
Maxey’s Record-Breaking Performance and Career Milestone
Before the game, Maxey trailed Iverson’s 76ers 3-point total by just three shots, with 882 to Iverson’s tally. He broke the franchise record with 1:38 remaining in the first quarter, capping a rapid start where he made all five of his 3-pointers in that period—a personal best for made three-pointers in a quarter—with 20 points. For the night, he converted 5 of 12 from beyond the arc. At 25 years old and midway through his sixth NBA season, Maxey already has 887 three-pointers with the team, compared to Iverson, who compiled his record over ten full seasons and parts of two more with the Sixers.
Other Notable NBA Performances from Thursday’s Games
Kon Knueppel’s Rookie 3-Point Record in Charlotte’s Win Over Indiana
In Indianapolis, Charlotte Hornets’ Kon Knueppel shattered the NBA rookie record for most 3-pointers made in a single season, finishing with 209 after drilling eight threes in an impressive 33-point performance. This broke the previous rookie record of 206 set by Keegan Murray last season in 80 games; Knueppel achieved this milestone in just 59 games. The record-breaking shot came with 9:41 left in the fourth quarter after a slick move against Quintin Jackson. Charlotte defeated the Pacers 133-109, improving their record with 12 wins in their last 15 games and securing their ninth consecutive road victory. Indiana’s top scorers were Andrew Nembhard with 20 points and Micah Potter with 19, but the Pacers conceded 130 points for the third straight game — a rare defensive lapse in franchise history.
CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert Shine in Hawks’ Victory Over Wizards
Atlanta Hawks newcomers CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert combined for 58 points as the Hawks dominated Washington 126-96. This game was part of a home series against the Wizards, the team that acquired Trae Young in a trade with the Hawks earlier this year. McCollum and Kispert were key assets received in return. Kispert scored a career-high 33 points, notably draining six three-pointers and shooting 5 for 5 beyond the arc in a strong first-half showing. McCollum scored 25 points, contributing vital rebounds and assists, including a 27-foot 3-pointer and a free throw that helped expand the lead before halftime. Dyson Daniels added a versatile performance with 13 points, 11 assists, and five steals. Washington, missing key players Anthony Davis and Trae Young due to injury, was led by Will Riley and Tre Johnson, each scoring 14 points.
San Antonio Spurs Extend Winning Streak Against Brooklyn Nets
In New York, Julian Champagnie scored 26 points to help San Antonio claim their 11th straight victory over the Brooklyn Nets, who continue to struggle with a six-game losing streak. Victor Wembanyama had a subdued offensive game with 12 points, but the Spurs showed depth as Stephon Castle tallied 18 points, De’Aaron Fox and Devin Vassell added 14 each, Keldon Johnson scored 13, and Dylan Harper contributed 12. The Spurs’ winning streak is their longest since the 2015-16 season when they won 13 in a row. Brooklyn received 24 points and 14 rebounds from Michael Porter Jr., alongside a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds from reserve Day’Ron Sharpe. The Spurs took an immediate lead from the opening tip, highlighted by a spectacular alley-oop from Castle just seconds into the game.
Kevin Durant Leads Rockets Comeback Against Orlando Magic
In Orlando, Kevin Durant led the Houston Rockets back from a 19-point deficit, scoring 26 of his season-high 40 points in the second half to secure a 113-108 road win. Reed Sheppard contributed 20 points off the bench, hitting five 3-pointers in the second half, while Alperen Sengun posted 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Despite Desmond Bane’s 30-point game and Paolo Banchero’s near triple-double of 19 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, the Magic could not maintain their lead. Jalen Suggs returned to the Magic’s lineup after missing three games due to back spasms, adding three points in 13 minutes. Orlando’s hot shooting in the first half included Bane going 5 of 5 from deep. However, a crucial 21-0 run by Houston in the third quarter erased the Magic’s advantage and shifted momentum decisively.
Precious Achiuwa’s Career Night Powers Kings Past Mavericks
Sacramento’s Precious Achiuwa scored a career-high 29 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as the Kings defeated Dallas 130-121. Maxime Raynaud added 22 points, helping the Kings recover from their franchise-worst 16-game losing streak. The Kings’ offensive production improved slightly but remained among the league’s lowest at 110.1 points per game. Dallas’ Naji Marshall led with a season-high 36 points, bolstered by 10 rebounds and six assists, but the Mavericks have dropped 11 of their last 13 games, including six straight at home. A late Sacramento surge, initiated by Achiuwa’s crucial putback, sealed the victory after Dallas cut the deficit to two points with under two minutes remaining. Several players acquired in the February 5 trade, including Khris Middleton, made their Mavericks debuts with Middleton scoring 17 points.
Jerami Grant and Portland Edge Chicago in Heated Contest
Jerami Grant scored 27 points to help Portland defeat the Chicago Bulls 121-112, extending Chicago’s losing streak to 11 straight games in February. Toumani Camara provided 16 points, Robert Williams III added a double-double with 14 points and rebounds, and Vit Krejci chipped in 14 points for the Trail Blazers. Portland was without All-Star Deni Avdija for the second straight game due to back issues. Chicago’s Matas Buzelis led the scoring with 20 points, and Tre Jones scored 19. The game featured 17 lead changes and 13 ties, but Portland pulled away in the fourth quarter, reaching a 15-point advantage with more than nine minutes left, thanks to Blake Wesley’s free throws.
Saddiq Bey’s Dominance Guides Pelicans Over Jazz
In Salt Lake City, Saddiq Bey scored a commanding 42 points with efficient shooting to power New Orleans past the Utah Jazz 129-118. Zion Williamson supported with 20 points on highly effective shooting. The Pelicans have now won three straight and five of their last seven games, improving to 18-42 on the season as they start a six-game road trip. Bey was sharp from both the field and the free-throw line, connecting on 5 of 9 three-point attempts and converting all nine free throws. Dejounte Murray contributed 17 points and nine assists in his second consecutive game after recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. Utah, plagued by injuries, notably lost their fourth straight, with Ace Bailey leading scorers with 23 and Brice Sensabaugh adding 20 points.
Phoenix Suns Hold Off Lakers With Last-Second 3-Pointer
The Phoenix Suns secured a tense 113-110 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on a decisive 3-pointer by Royce O’Neale with just 0.9 seconds remaining. Grayson Allen led the Suns with 28 points, making critical plays in the third quarter when they erased a 13-point deficit. Collin Gillespie was also instrumental, scoring 21 points and hitting four threes in the fourth quarter. The Lakers rallied from a 12-point deficit late in the game, tying it at 110 before O’Neale’s clutch bucket. Despite Luka Doncic’s impressive 41-point, eight-rebound, eight-assist effort and late-game heroics from LeBron James, the Lakers fell short. Austin Reaves missed a potential game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer. The Suns shot well from deep, making 44% of their 3-point attempts.
Timberwolves Trounce Clippers Behind Anthony Edwards’ Scoring
In Inglewood, the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 94-88, propelled by Anthony Edwards’ 31 points and Donte DiVincenzo’s 18. Edwards, fresh off his MVP selection at the recent All-Star game, sealed the win with a vital step-back three over multiple defenders near the end of the game. Jaden McDaniels and Ayo Dosunmu each added 12 points for Minnesota, with Rudy Gobert securing 13 rebounds. The Timberwolves have now improved to 5-1 since February 9 and are 3-1 since the All-Star break. The Clippers struggled offensively throughout, scoring a season-low 38 points in the first half and losing three consecutive games for the first time since December. Kris Dunn chipped in 11 points for Los Angeles.
Significance of Maxey’s Record and What Lies Ahead
Tyrese Maxey’s breaking of Allen Iverson’s 76ers three-point record underlines his rapid development and importance within Philadelphia’s roster, especially at the young age of 25 and early in his sixth season. Surpassing a franchise icon like Iverson represents a major milestone and points toward Maxey becoming a franchise cornerstone. The Sixers, with key contributions from stars such as Joel Embiid and Kelly Oubre, are building momentum with three consecutive wins, signaling hope for a stronger finish to their season after earlier struggles.
Meanwhile, performances across the league, including rookie Kon Knueppel’s record-setting shooting for Charlotte and strong team efforts in Atlanta, San Antonio, and other cities, indicate a competitive and dynamic NBA season, with several players rising to new heights and teams positioning themselves for post-season contention. Fans will be watching closely as these storylines develop, particularly as high-profile players adjust to trades and teams fight through challenging stretches.
