Game Quotes: Cavaliers at Bulls

(On the season): “The season is over. We'll get some good rest over the next few weeks. It was a tough year, but I'm impressed with a lot of positive we have and I'm excited about the future. Our 1st order of business will be so meet with all the players, you guys (press), and then relax and get reacquainted with our families. Then we will come back and discuss what needs to be done, and any other actions to take, and we will talk about the draft. I feel we are in a great position, we have a lot of flexibility, and confident that we will have a good summer. We have a lot of young guys coming back. This year we really had no summer with these guys. There was no training camp and no opportunity to work with them and get them together. Yes, it was gratifying to get a few more wins this year in the shortened season.”

(On the Bulls play): “What you see is what you get. They've been one of the top teams for the last couple of years. You expect that to happen again this year. Their success in the playoffs depends on how healthy Derrick Rose is. They have all the key components including a deep bench to win it all.”

(On this season): “It's been a tough one. Once we realized we weren't going to make the playoffs, you know you still have to come in and do your job. You just have to work through it. Mentally it takes its toll. Winning a couple more games than last year, means nothing at my age and stage of my career. No loosing season is gratifying. Last year was very tough. I commend the guys for coming in the way they did and competing all this year. We have a lot of young guys that have learned a lot and know how to work and get it done for the future.”

(Summarize the season): “Our team responded to every challenge. We still have a long way to go. This is what you play for, to try to build all the right habits and give yourself the best chance possible to win in the playoffs. We are looking for the next challenge.”

(Are you pleased with where the team is healthwise?): “We got everyone back. I think a lot of guys were able to contribute. Everybody at a different point in the season helped us to achieve what we did. Going forward we are going to need everybody. We knew this is how it would be but basically the playoffs are a continuation of the regular season. We are looking at one day for prep and then playing. There was not going to be a big break in between. I think it was important to stay in rhythm and try to be as healthy as possible.”

(Is that set-up an advantage for the Bulls?): “You are always faced with new and different challenges. It comes down to how you embrace those challenges. Everyone is faced with the same challenge of readiness to play and having to establish the right habits. It always comes down to who is playing the best and who is the healthiest.”

(On the 50 win season): “It feels good to get 50 wins. Everybody is exciting about going to the playoffs.”

(On his rookie season): “It was tough but I did learn a lot. I got a lot of good direction from the guys on this team. You definitely, definitely have to play hard on every possession. This is the NBA and every team has great players. You can't rest, not even one play.”

(On being a fan favorite): “I'm a player about energy. Energy in this building is everything. The fans are into it and we all know it. We appreciate them being here every game.”

(On the Philadelphia match-up): “They're a good team, very well coached, very solid players who can put the ball in the basket. Collectively they play well, it will be a tough match-up.”