The Philadelphia 76ers are in a tough spot once again. Tyrese Maxey and the Sixers dropped Game 2 against the New York Knicks in the second round.
Amid the tight loss, which ended with a score of 108-102, Maxey’s often-forgotten setback affected his play.
Following the game, the star guard revealed that he jammed the same finger that he had injured earlier in the year.
Tyrese Maxey Reveals The Latest Setback
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 22: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during a game against the Houston Rockets at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
“I kind of jammed my finger in the second quarter, so I didn’t feel confident dribbling around the traps like I normally do, or splitting them. I was trying to get off the ball and trying to create actions,” Maxey told reporters.
Without a major presence like Joel Embiid on the court on Wednesday night, the Knicks gave Maxey a more aggressive look.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 20: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on December 20, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
“They can put two on the ball, I’m fine with that, but I got to get more comfortable making the read. I turned the ball over way, way, way too much tonight, especially out of the traps. I got to do a better job staying poised in those traps and make the right play on it.”
Maxey’s finger has been a concern for multiple months now. He’s been on the injury report, listed with a designation throughout the entire playoff run. It doesn’t sound concerning enough to keep him off the court moving forward, but it’s a situation worth keeping an eye on.
The 76ers Are In A Hole
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 11: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against Landry Shamet #44 of the New York Knicks in the first quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on February 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Sixers are heading back to Philadelphia without a win in round two.
Although Game 2 went a lot better compared to the Game 1 blowout the Sixers suffered, they only have a one-game cushion at this stage of the postseason. There is a lot of catching up to do, and a ton of pressure is going to be placed on Maxey.
In Wednesday’s loss, Maxey played for 47 minutes. He shot 9-23 from the field and 7-9 from the free-throw line to score 26 points. He also had six assists and three rebounds. The star guard turned the ball over six times.
The Sixers and the Knicks are slated for Game 3 on Friday, May 8.