PHILADELPHIA — When one looks at the numbers for Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey, the free-throw numbers are solid as he’s averaging a career-high 7.3 attempts. However, one wonders whether Maxey should probably receive more as there are a lack of calls for the star guard at times.
For example, in Sunday’s 112-108 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, Maxey had 28 points and shot 5-for-8 from deep, but he only took two free throws, making one of them. The Lakers were physical with Maxey–just as every other team has to try and slow him down–and he views it as respect as the Sixers did it to LA’s stars as well.
“It’s a sign of respect,” Maxey said of the physicality. “They’re just trying to be physical with me. The same thing that I would do. The same thing that we tried to do with Luka (Doncic) and Austin (Reaves) and Bron (LeBron James) sometimes. It’s part of the game.”
There was a moment early on Sunday when Maxey believed he was fouled by Reaves and he got into the face of the official. That moment led to him picking up a technical foul, but he certainly had a point as Reaves, obviously, fouled him.
“Referees are human,” Maxey added. “Sometimes they call it, sometimes they don’t. Just gotta keep playing through all those calls, man, and it’s just life. I ain’t trippin off that. I think the referees do a great job.”
Tyrese Maxey had to be held back from the refs 😳 pic.twitter.com/inAj6dlEXd
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) December 8, 2025
When asked if he was frustrated due to not getting any calls in that instance, Maxey said there was no frustration and he explained the incident from his perspective.
“Not frustrated at all,” he added. “I laughed. I’m happy I was smiling. It happens sometimes.”
Obviously, Maxey can’t say anything publicly. If he does, then the NBA steps in and fines him for criticizing the officiating, but Maxey gets pinballed around a bit on the offensive end when he drives to the basket. Coach Nick Nurse sees it as he wants his star guard getting more respect from the officials.
“I think as much as he’s getting held and pushed and grabbed and all that stuff, you’d think there’d be some more,” Nurse explained. “As much as he drove it down the lane, you’d think there’d be some more. The surprising ones are when they were trying to foul on purpose and they let those go. There were a couple there in transition when they were trying to stop the break without committing a take foul and they whack him upside his head and he’s gotta play through it. So, a little bit surprised on those.”
The Sixers will have a few days off due to the NBA Cup and will take on the Indiana Pacers on Friday.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 76ers star Tyrese Maxey addresses lack of calls he receives after loss
