HEAT Head Coach Pat Riley

On the game:
“We made a very spirited comeback and I think we cut it to six and then we just could not get a shot to drop. Byron (Scott) just went with their second unit and they’re the ones who kept chipping away…until we just couldn’t get anything to go. Guys were trying hard, working hard, but we started turning the ball over and could not get up a decent shot.” “That’s a good team (New Orleans Hornets). That’s a real good team. I don’t think I’ve seen that many lobs in my life. My God. They have a highlight reel tonight for a whole year.” “We keep getting off to these bad starts and it is hard to recover. I’m putting who I think is the most experienced players and the ones who have the most knowledge of the system out there to start games. We are just getting hammered to start games. I’m going to have to change that. It is not punitive or anything, it’s just reality.”

On defensive combinations for the Miami HEAT:
“Obviously I like Joel (Anthony) and Stephane (Lasme) and I like Alex (Alexander Johnson) as a defensive combination. All of a sudden the energy changes and the effort changes. They’ll probably get the majority of the playing time going on out.”

HEAT Guard Jason Williams

On Chris Quinn’s overall play in the game:
“Obviously I think I can do more than just shoot. I think I’m capable getting the guys the ball, trying to create plays for my teammates and rebounding more, getting in there and just digging them out any way that I can to help our team. Whether we are down or getting back into the game or just try to help our team any way possible.”

On the spirit out there:
“We still have a lot of pride and we are going to go out there and play as hard as we can, whatever that may be. That’s all we can do is play as hard as possible and let the pieces fall as they may.”

Hornets Head Coach Byron Scott

On the Game:
“I thought we came out real aggressive in the first half. I thought we did a pretty good job being active on the defensive end and forcing them into some tough shots. We did a good job contesting and rebounding. In the third quarter, I think we got it to 20 and then we relaxed a little bit and they made some shots and made a run of it. You’ve got to give the guys off the bench a lot of credit. Those guys were able to extend the lead.”

On the Hornets’ toughness:
“We are a lot tougher than people probably give us credit for. One thing I told them tonight is that 4-2 would be a good trip, 5-1 would be a great trip. Let’s make sure we come out and do the things we are supposed to.”

Hornets Forward David West

On the team record of most road wins in a season:
“I did not know we set that record. We have a lot of confidence when we go into other peoples’ buildings. It started really early in the year. We knew in order for us to have a good start to the year, we had to start off with some tough road games. We were able to get some momentum and build a lot of confidence. We relish in that role where it is us against everybody else.”

On the game:
“Coach said before the game that these are the kind of games that are semi-dangerous because you have a bunch of guys from the other locker room that are playing for a contract. We just wanted to come out aggressive. We let them back into the game in the third, but we were able to put stops together and get what we wanted in the end.”

Hornets Center Tyson Chandler

On the team record of most road wins in a season:
“That is a huge accomplishment. I don’t think our goal necessarily this season was to come out and set a franchise record or anything like that. Our goal since training camp has been to put ourselves in a situation to get to the playoffs. From there, our ultimate goal is to win a championship. We have stayed focused and taken it game by game. All of these accolades are starting to come along with [us reaching our goals].”

On his most recent success:
“I have been a little more aggressive and set myself up a little more.”

On playing for Byron Scott
“I have played for many coaches, and he is special. He has a way of motivating guys and he never raises his voice. He is really the best.”

Hornets Guard Chris Paul

On tonight’s game:
“We control our own destiny. We definitely showed a lot of poise and a lot of concentration and we got it done. I think when [Tyson Chandler] got off to a great start, it really sparked us. Tyson is one of those guys that is always helping out everybody else and putting the tips back in when we miss. He had his post moves going early, and his energy motivated the rest of us.”

On reaching 2000 career assists:
“Wow, I did not know that. That is an honor. Doing what I do so much, the only way you get an assist is when your teammates make shots, so I appreciate them.”