Post Game Quotes -- Dec. 26, 2006

George Karl - Denver Nuggets Head Coach
On Boykins and Iverson
"It’s sure fun to watch. Our big guys did their job first class. We had three guys that had double-doubles. You can tip your hat to them. Until Carmelo and J.R. get on the court, Earl and A.I. are going to have a lot of responsibility and a lot of opportunities to play. We are going to win games doing little things. We aren’t going to win games by being better one on one or being better skilled. We are gonna win games by hustle, by penetrating and passing the ball. In a subtle way, the way we tried to play this training camp has been magnified because it fits A.I. and Earl’s skills. They are our two best offensive players, and we are gonna let them go."

On being one win away from 800 career wins
"Well I’ll probably think about that some, but only after worrying about how to win games. Our zone was very good today. Especially in the second half when they kind of started to pick us apart (in man to man). We are playing very simple basketball and they are making it happen, they’re making it work. What we did earlier in the season, we are doing better now because it is consistent. It is always there, we are always coming at the other team. I don’t think we are in the Phoenix category yet."

Earl Boykins - Nuggets Guard
On the fatigue factor
“Tonight it was a great team effort. Our bigs really did a great job of rebounding the ball. When we hold teams to one shot, we are a very good team and we are tough to beat. That was the difference in tonight’s game. We held them to one shot and were able to get our fast break game going."

On Iverson’s impact and the way they play together
"Allen is a guy who pushes the ball and he fits perfect into our system. We haven’t changed anything since he’s arrived. No one had to change the way they played. He’s come in and fit in and he’s playing great basketball and he’s playing inspired. He’s playing like he has something to prove. And when I’m out there with him, I just feel comfortable. He’s able to get me a lot easier shots because he is able to create things off the dribble and I just enjoy playing with him."

Reggie Evans - Nuggets Forward
“We had to do what we had to do. It’s a long stretch without our gun power, with Melo and J.R., so we are taking it one game at time. And today we got a win, and it felt good to get A.I. a win. Get a win under his belt so we can get it rolling. If you look ahead, you are disrespecting your opponents. So we have got to take it one game at a time until everyone gets back. Every game is like a playoff right now."

On playing with Iverson
"It is real fun. As far as I’ve seen, I love A.I. to death. I’ve got nothing bad to say about A.I. I’m not even talking about scoring and defensive wise, I’m talking about leadership. He’s got great leadership and energy and I love that.”

CELTICS QUOTES

Doc Rivers - Boston Celtics Head Coach
“First game on the road, I thought the effort was great, I thought the execution was poor obviously. Defensively I was disappointed. I’m not disappointed in our guys, I think they are playing hard, they are trying to do the right thing. The focus and thought process of doing them is going to take work. I thought Tony Allen tonight had great passion. He just tried to put the team on his shoulders, which is not something he is capable of doing. There is nobody on our team right now, with Paul and Wally out good enough to do that. It was our first game on the road. The game was great, our execution was poor. I thought Tony (Allen) had great passion, which is great, but he can’t carry the team on his own. Delonte is not good, but I don’t know, I didn’t ask.”

Delonte West - Celtics Guard
"I’m going to need extreme treatment tonight, and we’ll see how I am tomorrow. That’s why I can’t sit out, my whole contribution is needed right now."

On the Celtics injuries
"I don’t really remember what happened. I had my legs taken out from underneath me. I don’t know how I had my legs taken out.”