Overcoming deficits, seizing possessions, and clutch performances define crucial wins as the team builds momentum for the playoffs.
On the resiliency shown in overcoming a double-digit deficit for the 18th time this season:
"We needed all of it tonight. We talked about finding a way to win the game and that's what these guys did. There were eight minutes left in the game and the guys talked about forgetting what happened before — shots made, shots missed. Can we defend the right way? Can we have our assignments down pat? These guys communicated that. They talked to each other with that. I think that's just big for the group."
On the importance of offensive rebounds in the game:
"Whether we're taking care of the ball, they're turning it over, the offensive rebounds, keeping them off the glass — I think those were huge. They had 50 points in the paint, 48 for us, but I think it's always going to come down to the possession battle, and that's what this game was."
On the impact of a player like Goga Bitadze who does many unsung things on both ends:
"He does so many little things. He's guarding multiple positions, protecting the rim, trying to block shots, guarding guards. All those little things for us are huge because that allows the freedom for other guys to be opened up as well."
On where he would like to see the team continue to compete as they close the regular season:
"I'd like us to continue to rise up playing better basketball, our best basketball down the stretch. We've got four left and the ability to get our defense lined up the way it needs to be. Offensively, the ball clicking, the ball popping. We were trying to share it. It's hard to do when you shoot seven for 33, but finding a way to get the win despite that and then obviously 69% from the free throw line. All those little margins are going to be huge down the stretch for us."
On being impressed with Desmond Bane as a clutch player and leader:
"He's just the ultimate professional. I've said it — I think that's why he should win the Teammate of the Year award — because of what he is for this team, what he is for each guy, the leadership that he possesses, and then in games like this making the right play at the right time. I think that's always going to be key for us and he's somebody that's always willing to step into those moments."
On preparing for tomorrow night's game against Detroit:
"Forget our rest and show up and be ready to go against those guys. We know they're a tough basketball team, well coached in the way that they go get after it. We've got to be prepared for a physical game. We've got to be smart, be intentional in all of our work and make sure we're defending at the highest clip."
On whether winning tough games in the West (and upcoming vs. Detroit) builds confidence, especially given injuries and the perception of the East:
"Coming off of these last wins is very important for us. Being able to continue to play the right way — sharing the basketball, defensively just continuing to get after it no matter who we play, West or East. We've got to make sure we're playing our brand of basketball. The other part about it is we can play both sides of it. Offensively being able to push the pace as they do in the West and then being able to grind games out like we do in the East."
On the idea of first-team, second-team, third-team Coach of the Year awards:
"We have some unbelievable coaches in this league — big-time coaches, some of the best in the sport. Maybe they get to that. I don't know. I think the league will just have to look at it and see where they go from it. We got some great coaches, though."