I’ve proclaimed in many conversations within the TS community that I’m merely a small fish. I enjoy both the immersion and camaraderie that TS provides and I remain in awe of some of the collections I’ve seen built. It’s only recently that I stepped up into the world of acquiring my first legendary and my first #1 serial, both of my favorite player - Tyrese Maxey.
But neither of those two will ever be my favorite Maxey moment. No, that distinction goes to the very first Maxey rare I ever scooped up: his playoff rare in 2024 against the Knicks. For many folks, a moment becomes special for them because they were at the game depicted in said moment.
At the time I wish I could have said the same. What a moment to witness in person as Maxey took a handoff from Embiid, crossed the timeline, and absolutely buried a 35-footer to give the Sixers season a reprieve. MSG went silent as Maxey stared it down, sending the game to OT and an eventual Sixers W.
Alas, I was not there. I was about as far from the action as I could imagine, stuck on a flight that had to be scheduled at the most inopportune time for someone dialed into another postseason of wishful thinking. But I wasn’t letting that disturb me. I posted up against the window in 18A, iPad on the tray table next to my complimentary bag (or 2… or 3) of American Airlines pretzels.
As the 4th quarter was winding down and hopes dwindling, I watched as Maxey’s shot from near halfcourt was in the air seemingly forever. When the ball ripped perfectly through the net, my senses all went numb with excitement, including a complete lack of awareness for my surroundings. I let out a loud “Let’s Go!!!” that had a cabin full of passengers and a flight attendant (or 2… or 3) sending glances of disdain my way.
I didn’t care. My guy had pulled us back from the brink as a part of a career day (46 pts, 9 asts). Somehow, through all the turbulence, he landed the plane and showcased his arrival to the world.
This moment isn’t worth a ton on the MP. But you’ll never get #241 from me. Nope, I’ll be riding high and in style every time I watch it.
