Bane dissects a dominant defensive showing and the team's playoff maturity. He reveals how 60-win teams are overcome and the crucial role of emerging talent.
On the team's defensive performance and holding Detroit to 36 second-half points:
"I think it was huge. In the second half, they only scored 36 points—that’s hard to do against a team that won 60 games this year. Credit to everybody up and down the list. I thought we were physical. I like our aggression and the way that we're playing on that end."
On the challenge of securing the fourth win up 3-1:
"Extremely difficult. This is a team that won 60 games; I'm sure they're not blinking an eye about being able to win three games in a row. They did it multiple times throughout the regular season. We're going to have to come ready to play. I'm excited for the challenge of going back up to Detroit and trying to close it out there."
On the team's maturity and playoff focus:
"In my opinion, it’s been our maturity. Ever since the postseason started, all the other stuff has gone out the window. Winning has been everybody's focus. Whoever is asked to step on the court is bringing their all, regardless of if they make or miss shots. I'm very happy with the way we're playing and the way our locker room is, but obviously we're not finished."
On Jamal Cain’s energy and impact:
"It’s huge. I knew he was a rotational player back when open gym started. Guys that defend, make threes, and play that hard don't grow on trees. I'm excited our front office found him and excited that he’s got his opportunity. He played 24 minutes tonight and closed out an NBA playoff game; that’s something you can’t take for granted."
On having former teammates (Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr.) in attendance:
"It’s special. Those are guys that I spent five years with, started my career with, and made a lot of memories with. I’m super thankful they came out to support. It’s a friendship that will last forever, and I’m thankful they pulled up."
On his shooting success (12 threes in the last two games):
"Just being aggressive. In those first two games, I got great looks and they just didn't fall, but water always finds its level. I talked to my homeboy, Billy Webster, and that’s something we always pride ourselves on: the work's been put in, so you have to trust it. Go out there, play free, and the rest is history."
On the support and "FTP" slogan from Magic fans:
"I've seen it. It’s a comforting feeling. A lot of times when you make a trade of that magnitude, fans can feel either type of way, but ever since I’ve got here, I’ve felt the love and support. I'm super thankful that they ride for me."
On Jamal Cain’s confidence and his dunk over Jalen Duren:
"We had a talk in the cold tub about playing in the playoffs and the emotional and mental toll it can take on you. Once we got back home, he was talking about how free he’s been playing, and plays like that really show it. I’d rank that dunk in my top four of all-time in-game dunks I've seen."
On Jalen Suggs’ impact despite a tough shooting night:
"Our relationship has grown so much. He was the first person to text me when I got traded. He’s been over to the house for barbecues; that’s my dog for sure. It really shows how mature he is and how committed he is to winning. When the ball isn't going in, it's easy to start slacking on other things, but he continued to compete. He’s showing how much he cares about the playoffs."
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