ALL-STAR GAME

February 15, 2026

Tyrese Maxey

USA Stars

Postgame Press Conference

Q. Overall, what was the highlight -- or some highlights of the weekend for you?

TYRESE MAXEY: We won because we young and turnt. Our young group, man, and D-Book.

Q. What changed the most tonight? Was it just the format or also the pride?

TYRESE MAXEY: I think it was more just -- I don't know. We wanted to play hard. It doesn't matter what the format was, I came in, I'm going to play some defense. I'll score when I can, but I want to play hard, bring energy, get some steals, and have fun.

Q. You got the bragging rights. Anything you want to say to the uncs?

TYRESE MAXEY: Yeah, we one up on them right now. We definitely one-up on the uncs right now.

Q. What's it say about the next generation of young All-Stars taking down the old heads like that?

TYRESE MAXEY: I think we are ready to step forward. We have a lot of guys in the locker room ready to take the next step. Ant, Cade, myself, D-Book is still ascending upwards, I think, Chet, JD, Scottie, all those guys, man. That was a good group.

Q. How important is Black History Month to you?

TYRESE MAXEY: Extremely important. Extremely important, man. I went to a high school that was majority African American. So I really do have a connection with that group of course. I'm proud to be African American as well.

I think we're doing a good job of just stepping up in all things with life. Not just athletics, but all things with life. President Obama was in the building today. First Lady Michelle Obama was here. That was really cool to see.

Q. You're one of the best players. We know that this game is about details. What details are you focusing on?

TYRESE MAXEY: For me it's about winning. Whatever it takes to win. Defensively, I try to do a lot of different things to help my team win.

Then just knowing the moment. Knowing when I got to get my teammates open or when I got to score or take over the game and make plays. That's the biggest thing that I'm working on.

Q. You were feeling a little nervous during 3-point introductions yesterday. What were you feeling in that moment today?

TYRESE MAXEY: I was just ready to go, man. It wasn't too bad. They didn't do starters and reserves, we were all out there together. I didn't have to get too nervous.

Yeah, 3-point, I was a little nervous. I never did that before. But this is playing basketball, I do that every day.

Q. Within that young group that you guys have, was there anyone in particular that you feel like you got to know in a similar way you were talking about Jalen Suggs a couple years ago?

TYRESE MAXEY: See, I knew most of them, you know what I mean? Just playing high school. Like I played with Cade. I played McDonald's All-American with Ant. I see Chet with Drew [Hanlen] when I worked out in summertime. Scottie, of course, I know him. Today was the first time interacting with JD honestly.

That group already kind of knew each other a little bit just from being young. Young and turnt, just like I said.