Suggs reveals a crucial third-quarter lull and shooting woes as key factors in Orlando's Game 2 loss to Detroit.
Jalen Suggs: On the third-quarter momentum shift:
"I think we needed to be faster to dead the run. We were really good at that in Game 1 and solid throughout tonight until that third quarter. We just stayed in that lull a little too long and let them grow the lead. Whether it be getting better shots on offense or getting stops during those stretches, we got to choose to do one at a high level. We didn't do either and they took advantage of it. We saw the adjustments that they made—the ones that slowed us down and the ones that we liked—so we’ll watch it and grow from it."
On the importance of the first half compared to the third quarter:
"I think the first half was almost more important than that third. Really putting our foot to the pedal, getting it rolling, and getting the lead—I think we let them stay in it too long and then they finally erupted."
On failing to capitalize on offensive opportunities:
"Last time I looked, I think we were shooting 31% from the field. It’s hard to win a game like that against the best defense and the best offense, no matter who you're playing, especially in the playoffs. We’ll shoot better, we’ll be better. But we need to be a bit more crisp. We had a couple fast breaks where we had a bobble and a couple good looks that we didn't shoot with the most confidence or that we passed up. We have to continue to be intentional about playing fast and finding a great look every possession."
On how Detroit’s home-court advantage fueled their run:
"Home-court advantage was great. When you're going on those runs, it gets loud and it’s easy to snowball—way easier to do at home than on the road. Props to them; they went on their run, got stops, and were executing offensively. I just think we got to be better and more intentional about recognizing when we are in that run where it is starting to get loud—come back, get a great look on our side, and then really lock in defensively to see if we can find a stop or two just to really kill the momentum and quiet the crowd down."
On the confidence heading back to Orlando for Game 3:
"I like what we saw. We saw their adjustments. When you lose, it's much easier to see things, go back, switch some things up, and come into the next game with your adjustments. I think they did a great job of it and we saw them. I know how we rock at home. I know how Orlando rolls, especially come playoff time. We came here and did what we were supposed to do—we got one. Even today, I didn't feel like we were super out of the game; we were still generating some pretty solid looks. When we get running in the Kia Center, it's a different energy. We have to be full of confidence going back."
On the importance of fighting back in the fourth quarter:
"It was big time. Those are all reps and chances to continue getting looks and rhythm. I don’t hate what we did tonight. It wasn’t great—I think we got to be better on the defensive glass, they were a bit better there—but I think everyone will feel good shooting the ball coming back home. It was great fight from everybody. We stayed engaged."
On the performance of the bench unit late in the game:
"I thought the bench unit came in and did a really good job of being locked in. Jace, Noah, Jed, Mo Wagner, that whole second unit, Jevon Carter—everyone that came in towards the end of the game did what they were supposed to do, got solid shots, and played hard. I'm proud of everybody in that sense. Time to get home, take care of our bodies, and Saturday at one, the Kia Center is going to be rocking."
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