Bane pinpoints missed defensive energy and mental lapses as key reasons for the Magic's struggles against the Spurs, demanding consistent execution.
On the stretches where the Spurs got the better of the team at the start and in the late third quarter:
"I just don't think we came out with the right mentality. I said it time and time again. We weren't ready to play. We were a step slow, especially on the defensive end. They were getting whatever they wanted. And then we settled into the rhythm of the game. But you're playing the second-best team in the league. So you can't afford to have moments like that. I talk about our growth and stuff like that, but we had to start putting it into action and being better."
On whether the team was ready to play, considering the Spurs flew in the day of the game:
"Just our energy wasn't there. And I mean it was different for us, too. You're preparing for a 3:00 game and then it gets pushed back to six and then eight or whatever. So I don't know if that played a part, but there's no excuses. We're a better team than what we showed. And we got to be better."
On keeping composure with the officiating:
"I mean, there was a lot of times when plays happened and we're going back and forth with the official. But that's every night. They're not perfect and they're trying their best just like we are. You're going to have emotions during the game when things go your way or don't go your way with the officials, but it's our job to keep fighting and playing together, playing hard."
On who the lack of preparation falls on—coaching, players, or a combination:
"No, it don't have nothing to do with the coaches. That's on us. They're not the ones out there sitting down and guarding. We don't have elaborate schemes really on either side of the ball, but we know what's asked of us and we're a team that plays physical and plays hard, especially on the defensive end of the floor. And that wasn't there."
On what the team needs to show against the defending champions (OKC) to come away with a win:
"We showed it for stretches tonight. Just put it together for a full 48 minutes. Going to be another tough challenge on the road. But we're more than capable of winning against them."
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