Tyrese Maxey eager to ‘try again’ after first All-Star three-point contest
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey remains undeterred and eager for a future opportunity following his debut performance in the NBA All-Star Three-Point Contest on Saturday. Despite an early exit from the competition, the first-time All-Star starter expressed a strong desire to return and compete for the title in future years.
Deep Search Analysis: A Difficult Debut
Maxey, who has evolved into one of the league’s most lethal perimeter scorers, faced a steep learning curve in his first appearance at the event. Competing against a field of seasoned sharpshooters at the Intuit Dome, Maxey finished the opening round with a score of 17 points. This total placed him well below the cut line for the final round, which was dominated by eventual winner Damian Lillard, who secured his third title, and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker.
The competition format, which requires players to shoot five racks of balls from various spots around the arc in 70 seconds, often challenges debutants who must adjust their rhythm from game speed to the contest’s rapid-fire pace. Maxey struggled to find a consistent stroke early in his round, and while he heated up sporadically, the slow start ultimately cost him a spot in the finals.
Objections and Critical Perspectives
While Maxey’s enthusiasm is evident, critics pointed to his score of 17 as a disappointment given his high-caliber shooting during the regular season. In a contest where scores often need to reach the mid-to-high 20s to advance, a sub-20 performance highlights the difficulty of the format. Some analysts noted that Maxey’s release, while effective in dynamic game situations, appeared rushed during the structured rack shooting. There is also the argument that the “money ball” rack placement—a strategic element where players place a rack of balls worth two points each—did not yield the maximum return for the Sixers star on this occasion.
Background and Season Context
Maxey’s participation in the Saturday night festivities caps a career-best season for the 25-year-old guard. Currently averaging a career-high 28.8 points per game, Maxey was voted an All-Star starter for the first time in 2026. His three-point efficiency has been a cornerstone of his rise, shooting 38.2% from deep on high volume this season.
Historically, the Three-Point Contest has been a challenge for Philadelphia players; no Sixer has ever won the event, with Maxey becoming the first to participate since Kyle Korver in 2005. His selection for the contest underscores his transformation from a prospect with shooting questions in the 2020 draft to one of the NBA’s premier offensive engines.
Despite the loss, Maxey’s comments suggest he views this year’s contest as a baseline rather than a setback. With his work ethic well-documented, the expectation is that he will adjust his preparation for the specific demands of the contest should he be invited back.
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