On where it starts for the group in a high-stakes road playoff game:

"Especially on the road, I think our attention to detail and our communication has to be elite tonight. It's going to be loud. We're not playing at home where on the defensive side of the ball it's pretty quiet and much easier to communicate. It's easier to talk and have control of the crowd. It's going to be different tonight. So we got to be that much more dialed in, on the same string, and come out with the same intensity as we did last game."

On the physicality of both teams and how much they like that style:

"It's fun. I think that makes it even more fun and makes it easier to get ready and get hyped for these games because you know what you're walking into. But at the end of the day, not only do we have to do that, but we have to execute. We have to be on one string in terms of what we're doing offensively and defensively. For as much as that's a factor in the game, we'll be prepared for that side. Being locked in mentally is also just as key."

On what stands out about Detroit and what they do well at full strength:

"They play hard. They play great defense. They make it hard for you to score and they get out and run. They have some really good athletes on the squad. We got to be locked in in every phase of the game — make sure we're getting good shots, make sure we're defending as well with that same intention that we carried off of that last game, and just be prepared for any and every situation."

On what will make the difference in finally winning a road playoff game:

"Runs are huge. I learned that last year. Boston was so good at recognizing when a run could be made and capitalizing on that to carry the momentum. For us, it's being dialed in, killing those runs before they happen, searching for ways we can find our own, and not getting too high or too low within the game. You stay even-keeled and you're always prepared for it. I think it's way easier to hoop and go on those runs and stop them before they happen. That's the biggest thing, especially on the road. It's much harder to do, but I think we're ready for it."

On whether momentum from the Charlotte game carries over:

"Of course. That's something that we're carrying over. We're still feeling good. We've had a couple extra games, but I think all that is just reps, which we've needed down the backstretch, especially getting everybody back and trying to put things together. Last game was good for us, but it's a different challenge. It's a new season and we ain't done this yet. We ain't came in 1-0 nowhere besides home. So it's time to change the narrative."

On the defensive impact he and Anthony Black can have on a game or series:

"Playoffs, you got to defend. To make deep runs in the playoffs, you got to be elite on that side of the ball. Continue to stay locked in on that end, knowing that the offense will come and shots will come. You're going to get open looks and keep generating them for guys. But the defensive side of the ball is where we have to be locked in. There is no ifs, ands, or buts about it. It's not about rhythm on that end or feeling good or if shots go in or not. That's just straight will, effort, and attention to detail. AB was amazing the other night against Charlotte. I think he'll be amazing all series. I'm just excited to come out and have some good bumps. It's fun to play defense this time of year. It's always fun, but this time of year feels way better."

On where it starts going on the road for an NBA playoff game in Detroit:

"It just starts with our energy."

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