Maxey Challenges Stephen A. Smith’s Claim About Doc Rivers Visit

WHO:

NY Post - Tyrese Maxey is a Philadelphia 76ers star who denied a claim made by ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.

NY Post - Doc Rivers is identified as Maxey’s former coach.

Sportskeeda - The article identifies Tyrese Maxey as a Philadelphia 76ers star and Stephen A. Smith as an ESPN personality.

WHAT:

NY Post - Maxey denied Smith’s claim that Maxey once visited Rivers’ house while crying over James Harden.

NY Post - Smith’s claim described Maxey as “damn near crying.”

Sportskeeda - The article describes a viral rumor alleging that Maxey confronted Rivers at his home over Harden’s playoff performance, and labels the rumor debunked.

WHERE:

NY Post - Smith’s claim placed the alleged visit at Doc Rivers’ house.

Sportskeeda - The rumor placed the alleged confrontation at Rivers’ home.

WHY:

NY Post - Smith’s claim said the alleged visit concerned James Harden.

Sportskeeda - The rumor linked the alleged confrontation to James Harden’s playoff performance.

(UPDATED October 24, 2026 20:06 UTC)

Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey has denied ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith’s claim that he once went to former coach Doc Rivers’ house in tears over James Harden. Smith described Maxey as “damn near crying” during the alleged visit. A viral version of the story alleged that Maxey confronted Rivers at home over Harden’s playoff performance. Maxey says that account is not true, and the rumor has been debunked. The claim centered on Maxey’s supposed reaction to Harden, rather than a dispute over another subject. Rivers was Maxey’s coach at the time referenced in the account, and the alleged meeting was said to have taken place at Rivers’ home. Maxey’s denial directly challenges the story Smith recounted, including the suggestion that he arrived upset about Harden.