Tyrese Maxey had never experienced anything like this.
The 76ers star participated in the National Dog Show, which was recorded Nov. 16 and aired on Thursday on NBC after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, with two of his pups, and he raved about the affair afterward.
“I’ve been on the course with no crowd. So that was my first time with the crowd,” Maxey said, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I played in a lot of playoff games. I played in both the Gardens. I played in Miami. I played in Brooklyn — and that’s the most nervous I’ve been to go through something.”
Tyrese Maxey running with Howie during the dog show. CJ Fogler/X
Maxey, who owns three dogs of his own, ran with dogs Howie, an 8-year-old Border Collie, and Spike, a 2-year-old Border Collie Papillon, in front of about 15,000 spectators at the Kennel Club of Philadelphia.
“It was really fun. They got me out here sweating. Like I just played a whole quarter. I think I’m going to stick to staying on the court,” Maxey said after the show.
Tyrese Maxey during the dog show, which was filmed Nov. 16. CJ Fogler/X
Soleil, a 6-year-old Belgian Sheep Dog, came out as the winner of the 1,900 dog field.
“It’s been amazing. I’ve been able to just walk around and see a lot of different dogs. They’re very well trained. I wish my dogs could come here and learn some skills, but it’s been incredible. It’s a great opportunity,” Maxey said.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) looks on in the second quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
On the court, Maxey, 25, is enjoying the best season of his career.
The Kentucky product is putting up career highs of 30.2 points, 7.5 assists and 1.6 steals.
The former NBA All-Star has emerged as the 9-8 Sixers’ best player as injury-prone Joel Embiid and Paul George go on and off the court.