Suggs details his return, the team's gritty win, and how they'll attack Chicago's evolving lineup, emphasizing process and intensity.
On how it felt being back and helping the team win:
"It was just great to be a part of the win. That's the part I miss most. Obviously I'm at the games I'm watching. I'm still involved, but to be present in the rotation and helping out the win. It just feels good, feels satisfying. Wasn't perfect. Find my way into the flow, into the rhythm. But again, I'm not thinking too heavy on it. I was happy with my approach. I was happy with my intentions. It's just about sharpening everything up. So, I felt good to be on the court."
On takeaways from the tight win against Indiana:
"Finding ways to win. We obviously didn't shoot it very well. And that always makes it tough to go out and beat a team, but when you can defend like that, I think we're very intentional about getting into the paint and getting buckets there and finishing when we got there. I think that really looked out for us. And then down the stretch, third quarter and then all of the fourth, I thought we were really locked in defensively in our coverages, and limiting them to one shot and cleaning up the glass, and going to finish the game on that end of the ball. So, I thought we find a way to win. We'll shoot it better on other nights, but long as you find a way to come out on top at the end of the night, that's what matters."
On how Chicago changes without Josh Giddey and Kobe White:
"Without them Trey gets a lot more usage and he's getting able to play some good basketball. So really looking to come in and be intentional about what he's doing and how he's running the team. But outside of that there's still a lot of good talent in his basketball team. From Matas, Jay Smith, Vooch. Every time we play Ayo he has a good night. So, there's a lot of different guys that we have to stay keen on, but knowing that those guys are out, just staying locked in with who we are and what we're doing, our process, regardless of who steps on the floor. And like I said, coming out to get a win. They're still NBA players all up and down the roster. So, we got to come compete and finish the night off."
On starting 2026 with a win (as a "vibes guy"):
"Starting the year off right and entering the year off right is always great. So, absolutely looking to get a win, but like I said, just more importantly, it's our process and where we're going. So are we improving from last game and the things that we've talked about as players from then to tonight. And then do we come out with intensity and some energy to go get a game, not just get through the game. So, looking forward to tonight. Fun every time we play in Chicago."
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