On summarizing the game:

"I think it was a defensive clinic in a lot of ways. Our guys did an unbelievable job of starting the game off the right way with intention, physicality, urgency, knowing exactly how we needed to start the game off. Our coaches did a great job of the scout, guys locked into what their assignments were, but again, I'm just keep hanging our hat on the defensive end, which also sparked our offense, and we were able to get out on the break and get some early easy baskets."

On the importance of defensive performances like this in back-to-back games:

"Yeah, I think it's so important for us. They played last night as well and obviously they were down bodies just the same. But the reality is for us that we've got to know that we have to keep hanging our hat on the defensive end whether that shot is falling or not. Our guys trusted it. You can see the energy that was provided. Us being able to protect the rim, trying to keep them out of the paint, getting out to shooters, all those little things that we talked about during the scouting report, these guys followed through on."

On Paolo Banchero's first half setting the tone offensively:

"You can see the energy behind him on the bench. The high fives, him getting downhill, attacking the basket, getting to the free throw line. All those little things make a big play for our group. Their ability to see what he's doing and follow suit. He was ultra aggressive on both sides of the ball. I think that's really big for us moving forward."

On Paolo Banchero's turnaround in stats since the All-Star break:

"Yeah, I think a mindset shift in some ways. Talk about him guarding the team's best players, him wanting that challenge each and every single night. Him being able to just continue to help us rebound the basketball because that allows us to finish our defense out and then get on the break, which we keep talking about those early easy baskets. He's done a tremendous job there. Continue to look to get early easy ones, but also help finishing off the defense each time."

On Jalen Suggs' performance and setting the tone:

"I thought he was great. I thought his poise, his demeanor, his control of the game, his communication with his teammates, recognizing where he was defensively, how he guarded guys, I think he sets the tone for us. When he's on that ball and they're bringing their point guard up and he's hawking them 94 feet, I think it changes the game for us and how we approach the game."

On Desmond Bane's game and leadership:

"I say it over and over again about him. He's just a winner and he's just going to find ways to win whether that's having to score 30 with no threes or if he's going to rack up nine assists because he's getting his teammates involved and getting downhill and making the right play. He just finds ways to win and he's that's what he's about and that's why he's been such a great pickup for us and this group."

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