DETROIT PISTONS HEAD COACH STAN VAN GUNDY: (On the loss): “We got off to a bad start. They’re a very good team and very hard to guard. I think we got so afraid of their shooting that our defense got spread out and everyone started playing their own guy and we weren’t getting any help which gave them a lot of layups. After that I thought we played a little bit better on the defensive end and played harder, but it wasn’t enough.”
(On team’s confidence and effort): “There was a point in that game where I thought for the first time all year we were just going to let it go, but we didn’t. It’s easy to find all the negatives, not just in terms of shooting, but I have to give them credit. With 12 losses in a row and down 17 to a very good team it’s easy just to let it go, but they didn’t. Confidence may be a problem; our play is a big problem. Our defense has to have a lot more resolve, but I think the vast majority of guys in there have not let go.”
DETROIT PISTONS GUARD SPENCER DINWIDDIE: (On team not giving up in the fourth quarter): "Like you said we didn't just give up. We went out there and played hard, hit a couple of shots, and obviously, we would have liked to hit more and really try to make it an even closer game and potentially get a win. The whole thing behind us is never stop fighting. That's what we have to do."
(On ball movement leading to better offense): "Most definitely. I think anytime you change sides of the floor with the ball you're obviously going to get the defense shifting and it's really hard to stay in your stance and guard for 24 seconds, it's not a very easy thing to do. When you make people have to move, and rotate, and switch, and things like that and you're more likely to get a good shot."
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS HEAD COACH TERRY STOTTS: (On tonight's win versus Pistons): "I thought it was a solid win for us. Obviously it was disappointing that for us that Detroit made their run at the end. I liked the way we finished it and took care of business the way we needed to."
(On LaMarcus Aldridge): "I was really happy that LaMarcus moved into second (all-time in scoring) with the win. It's a pretty impressive accomplishment. He's going to be breaking some barriers this year. So to move into No. 2 with the franchise like the Blazers is very impressive."
(On team confidence): "Right now they're happy we got a win. I think we're going about our business. We got off to a good start. We built a lead and, other than the run they made in the fourth, the stars came back and finished it off."
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS CENTER CHRIS KAMAN: (On personal performance versus Pistons): "I'm just trying to take advantage on the boards and just trying to be efficient when I have the opportunity."
(On LaMarcus Aldridge): "It's definitely a personal achievement for L.A. (LaMarcus) and I'm happy for him and what's most important is we're just continuing to focus on winning and doing the right things."
(On team play): "I really think we have the potential to play a lot better. Last year, there was a lot more efficiency offensively. We just have to get it figured out. Right now we're kind of letting teams stick around a bit. We're not playing the way we're capable of playing which sometimes can be frustrating to watch and be a part of. The good thing is we're able to dig those wins out at the end.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS FORWARD LAMARCUS ALDRIDGE: (On passing Terry Porter in points): "It's a big honor. He's a big-time player in the franchise; he's a big-time player overall. He means a lot to the city of Portland. His body of work speaks for itself so to pass him - it means a lot. It means the hard work is paying off. I've been with this organization for a long time now."
(On current road trip): "I've just been so focused on trying to get these wins on the road. This is one our tougher road trips and the next one."