Philadelphia 76ers star guard Tyrese Maxey ripped New York Knicks fans' hearts out during Tuesday's 112-106 Game 5 first-round playoff victory. Maxey's dominant performance garnered the disapproval of comedian and longtime Knicks fan Tracy Morgan. The 55-year-old's comical courtside reaction left NBA fans in splits as they quipped about Maxey's villain arc.With the Sixers' season on the line, trailing 3-1 in the series and 96-90 with 28.9 seconds remaining in Game 5, Maxey came up clutch. The first-time All-Star converted a four-point play with 25.4 seconds left to cut the Knicks' lead to two points.After New York split a pair of free throws on the other end, Maxey drilled a 34-foot pull-up 3-pointer to tie the game 97-97 with 8.1 seconds to go. His deep shot forced overtime, where the Sixers outscored the Knicks 15-9 to secure a six-point road victory to avoid elimination.The 2024 Most Improved Player finished with a playoff career-high 46 points, five rebounds, nine assists and seven 3s on 56.7% shooting. Maxey's sensational outing offset Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson's team-best 40-point performance, seemingly earning him Morgan's disdain.After Maxey's game-saving shot to force OT, the camera panned to Morgan sitting courtside, who had a dour look on his face. As Maxey celebrated, the comedian gave the 23-year-old the middle finger while staring him down from behind.The moment quickly went viral on X/Twitter, with fans turning in humorous reactions. Many cited Tyrese Maxey's playoff dominance and blossoming reputation as a hated figure in New York."Maxey just turned into a villain," @TheRallyCulture said."Maxey owns him," @AidanLaPorta69 said."That’s genuine hatred right there," @CelticsAdam34 said.Meanwhile, others criticized Morgan, suggesting he should have been more frustrated with the Knicks for blowing their lead."Tracy Morgan [is a] full-time hater," @BB_Bundy said."He should be mad at his team for choking in the clutch," @BoujeeOp said.Additionally, Morgan's courtside antics entertained some New York fans, who expressed confidence in their team's chances of bouncing back in Game 6.LOL, nasty work. Knicks in 6," @NYCDaFuture_," said.Also Read: "I got you": Tyrese Maxey's message to underwhelming Joel Embiid after 46-point explosion in Game 5Tyrese Maxey on clutch Game 5 performance against KnicksPer ESPN, Tyrese Maxey's clutch 46-point Game 5 performance set a franchise record for the most points in a victory to stave off elimination. After saving Philly's season, Maxey touched on his survival mindset.“Going through my mind right there was just, find a way to survive,” Maxey said.Meanwhile, Sixers coach Nick Nurse raved about Maxey stepping up with Philly's top player, reigning MVP Joel Embiid, underperforming. Embiid tallied only 19 points on 36.8% shooting."I think that considering that our No. 1 option was struggling, for him to say, ‘All right, I got to put this team on my back and go,’ I just kept encouraging him, like, to take his chances, take his shots, make plays,” Nurse said.Following the Sixers' Game 5 win, they head back home with a chance to knot the series up at 3-3 during Thursday's Game 6 clash in Philly.Also Read: "Really good episode playing on" - Tyrese Maxey recounts watching Game of Thrones during MIPOY announcement