Tyrese Maxey Reflects on His Fourth Quarter Leadership

Tyrese Maxey has touched on his increased role in the closing quarter.

So far this season, the fourth quarter has become a period for resting the reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid, as Nick Nurse is trying to keep him as healthy as possible.

This has been especially true as of late, with there being a recent four-game stretch where the Cameroonian superstar sat all 12 minutes in the fourth quarter.

Given that the Sixers still have to maintain their lead, they have gotten in the habit of keeping Tyrese Maxey in, among other starters.

The 23-year-old is more than aware of the fourth quarter being a time for Embiid to sit, as the focus at that point revolves around getting their desired result.

"Honestly, I know that's when Joel gets his rest," said Maxey, "So I know that's when we got to get the lead back, maintain the lead, or grow the lead."

But it goes beyond just trying to score for Maxey, as he sees himself as a floor general during that time, helping pull the strings that push the Sixers in the right direction.

"My teammates and coaching staff really look to me at that time, to not just score for myself, but to run a team, get guys involved, make sure guys are in the right spot," said Maxey, "I feel like the preparation that I put in and all the time, it shows and I try to go out there and be extremely aggressive to help us get W's."

Taking a glance at Maxey's stats in the fourth quarter this season, he is averaging nine points on an impressive 51 percent from the field, while also dishing out two assists.

While Embiid also played in the fourth quarter on Friday night against the Toronto Raptors, Maxey's aggression was on full display as he scored 17 points, which included two makes from beyond the arch.