Bane anticipates a fiercely physical Game 2 as the Pistons fight back. He highlights Suggs' toughness and the team's readiness for Detroit's desperate response.
Desmond Bane: On Jalen Suggs’ physicality compared to other guards:
"Him and Marcus Smart are probably right there one and one. Marcus won the Defensive Player of the Year award at the guard position, which is really hard to do. Jalen's very talented and he does so much for us on that end."
On the challenge of being defended by Detroit’s top defenders:
"Great defenders. I thought I had a lot of good looks in Game 1. That's kind of how the game goes: you make some, you miss some. I thought I forced myself into some tough mid-range shots, especially at the end of the clock on some switches that I had, but I'm looking forward to another challenge."
On the team's mindset heading into Game 2:
"I think you got to understand how desperate Detroit is going to come out and be, and how physical they're going to be. They want to protect their home court, of course, and it's our job to come in here and get the job done."
On the starting five setting the tone through communication:
"Communication, defense—I think we're doing it in a lot of different ways. But like I said, I mean, we're just connected. We're on a string. We know what's asked of each other and we're delivering."
On the importance of the first quarter in a road environment:
"I think it's big. Mos always says you don't win the game in the first quarter, but you set the tone, and especially on the road, it's important to do that."
On delivering the first punch and staying locked in:
"Regardless of how it goes, it's a long game, but you definitely got to come out with the right mindset. We don't need Coach calling an early timeout to try to get us together, get us communicating, or locked in. As long as we're not making mental mistakes, I think we'll be fine."
On why a physical style of play fits this team:
"I think it fits our personnel. We pride ourselves on that; we've preached that since training camp. We know what's expected to beat this team, so physicality is definitely at the top. I like it."
On the impact of having Franz Wagner back in the starting lineup:
"He's an All-Star caliber player. Anytime you insert somebody like that back into the lineup, it's going to help tremendously. He does a lot for us offensively and defensively. He has a big part in what we do."
On Jalen Suggs’ tendency to dive for loose balls:
"Me and him both end up on the floor a lot. Our medical staff probably ain't too happy about it, but that's what comes with playing hard."
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