Banchero breaks down the Thunder's late-game execution and the MVP's explosive second half, analyzing crucial clutch moments and playoff implications.
On the main reason the team came up short against Oklahoma City:
"They just made more plays at the end. Yeah, I mean, they're a great team and they showed that in the second half."
On what changed in the second quarter to get back from down 17-18 points and stay within striking distance:
"I think we just picked up our pace and started playing good basketball. Obviously you don't want to go down big like that, but we were able to get back in it before halftime."
On what Oklahoma City did to win in the clutch, the lessons from those tight margins, and their importance in the playoff chase:
"Listen, they're defending champs. They got the MVP. He got going in the second half—he had 28 in the second half. We had a couple good looks that didn't go in and then they converted and stretched that lead out to 10. So you just got to give them credit. Obviously we would like to make a couple more shots, convert on some more looks, but you got to tip your cap sometimes. He was making a lot of tough shots for sure."
On what needs to happen to get back on track after winning seven in a row and now dropping the last two (next up at Charlotte):
"Just come out, be ready to fight in Charlotte. They're a great team who's been playing well and they've kicked our ass this year. So we're gonna have to be ready for a fight for sure. They're in our division and they've been playing great basketball. So we got to be ready—especially after last night."
On the importance of responding with effort after the previous loss:
"Yeah, it was a good effort. The game was close. But at the end of the day it goes down as a loss. So not really taking moral victories but definitely was better effort out there I feel like. Feel like we had more pop but we just got to get back to getting wins and that starts in Charlotte."
On his 32-point performance (12-21 FG) and what he looks for in one-on-one matchups when deciding to pull up, drive, or pass:
"I think it's just trusting your instincts. You don't you're not really doing much thinking—it's more so reacting. I think that's when I'm at my best. If they're pulled in, make the pass to the open guy. If there's space, attack it. Just keep it simple. Trust what you see and just try and make quick decisions."
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