Postgame Quotes

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Pelicans.com

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Willie Green | Pelicans vs. Thunder 2024 NBA Playoffs Game 4 Postgame

“I loved our fight and the way we battled tonight. That's a special group in that locker room, and what I told them is that there's no other group that we would rather get on that floor and compete with than that group. They poured it out tonight. Unfortunately, we came up short. Give Oklahoma credit: they're a tough team and they played a good, solid all-around game and it came down to the wire. They made some plays down the stretch.”

On Naji Marshall and Jonas Valančiūnas’ performances tonight:

“Yeah, they’ve been good all season. Naji (Marshall) – his toughness, his grit – guarding guys, making plays, making shots. JV (Jonas Valančiūnas’) rebounding – we could throw the ball into him, trying to create some offense. So, both of those guys were really good tonight. Unfortunately, like I said we came up short.”

“They capitalized on some turnovers and honestly some baskets that we just missed that led to transition opportunities for them, and that's the difference in the game. Our margin for error is small. This is a team that turns you over. The last few games we turned the ball over and they capitalized on it.”

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CJ McCollum | Pelicans vs. Thunder 2024 NBA Playoffs Game 4 Postgame

“He’s good, he’s young, he’s athletic, he’s smart, and he protects the rim well. Obviously, JV (Jonas Valančiūnas) gave him some fits down there at times, but you always have to be aware of where he is at. He has a very bright future.”

“It’s tough. I think we had a really good season. Obviously [we] had some woes and a lot of injuries, with guys in and out of the lineup. Getting 49 wins and having to battle to get into the playoffs, then obviously Z (Zion Williamson) went down. We got swept, but I thought we competed. Outside of the turnovers and some of those

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New Orleans Pelicans vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 4 Postgame Quotes | 2024 NBA Playoffs

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Willie Green recaps loss | Pelicans-Thunder Game 3 Postgame | 2024 NBA Playoffs

“They're a good defense for a reason, and to beat this team we have to be really sound in our execution and when were not and we’re getting into the paint and trying to throw interior passes they’re really good. They’re handsy, all of their guys this is what they do, they’ve done it all season and it hurt us. Whenever we turn the ball over, they get out in transition, they had 21 fast break points, and a few was their offense.”

On the message to the team headed down 0-3 into Game #4:

“It's not over. It's not over. Look, we’ve got another game here at home and we’re not going to fix all of our issues tonight. Go home, have a good meal and we’ll come back tomorrow and practice and go over what we need to do and get ready for the next game.”

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Trey Murphy III talks offensive struggles | Pelicans-Thunder Game 3 Postgame | 2024 NBA Playoffs

“I think a problem with a lot of the basketball community is that people are so results based on their confidence and not just based on their work ethic. Like, I don’t care if I miss ten in a row. Like, I know in the back of my head, I’ve had games where I missed a lot, came back, and hit five straight. Like it doesn’t really matter for me. I know for my teammates, we’ve just got to continue to shoot the ball. We were the number one corner three-point shooting team in the entire league last year—this year. So, it’s not a fluke for a reason. We’ve just got to shoot the ball.”

“I’m sure us turning the ball over didn’t help. And then they were just moving the ball really well and we had some defensive breakdowns. They were making shots and capitalizing off of our mistakes. I think that’s just what happened.”

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Brandon Ingram | Pelicans-Thunder Game 3 Postgame | 2024 NBA Playoffs

On the Thunder’s 14-0 in the second quarter run:

“Just them pushing the pace. They knocked a couple threes down. (Luguentz) Dort knocked a couple key three-pointers down. He’s been shooting the ball well from three. They just continue to push the pace.”

On being the aggressor in today’s game:

“Yeah, they (New Orleans Pelicans) were ready to play, and I thought we were ready to play. I thought our physicality and our defense was focused on that end of the floor. We made them earn everything. I thought that set the tone for us on the break and could make the offensive end a bit easier on some possessions, because they are obviously really physical as well.”

“I mean with the way we get played we have to spread the ball to the perimeter and I thought we did that on all our possessions, some of those in transition, as well. They put (Larry) Nance on Josh (Giddey) a lot of possessions. That gave him whatever he wants from three, but I thought we had a really good pace for the most part, getting the ball to the perimeter, have to continue to look at ways to attack them.”

On expanding their lead throughout the game:

“Basketball is a game of runs, we know that. We have seen that all year. We always say it is a 48-minute game, and just worry about stacking possessions. We did so. Because of it, we won the last 3 games.”

On if the Play-In game last season against the Pelicans prepared the team for tonight’s game in New Orleans:

“Absolutely. Every experience you live through, and you learn. That is what we did through that experience. In all 82 games this season, we learned from every experience. We try to get better from it and get ready for this moment.”

On the team’s approach to today’s game:

“We knew this team was going to make adjustments. We did as well. We made adjustments, they did as well. They’re a good team, but hopefully we can close this series out.”

“We hang out hats on that end of the floor. Our coaches gave us a great game plan. We have great defenders on this team that can execute. They’ve got good players, so we have to defend at a high-level. [Holding a team to] 85 points in a playoff game is a very winnable score.”

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New Orleans Pelicans vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 3 Postgame Quotes | 2024 NBA Playoffs

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Willie Green recaps win over Sacramento | Pelicans-Kings Play-In Postgame 4/19/2024

“BI (Brandon Ingram) was big-time for us, and he had that look in his eyes from the time that he got to the gym after the loss to the Lakers. His ability to put the team on his shoulders – this was the moment that he wanted. He wanted a moment that he could step up in and help the team win a big-time game. Especially after a couple games that he didn't play up to par, but, huge effort on his part.”

On Naji Marshall’s contributions tonight:

“He was another guy that stepped up right away, and you can feel his presence in the game, and, honestly, all of these guys all season long. We can go down the line. They all contributed to wins and they contributed to this journey and they're all important to what we do and it's refreshing to see the results and the result is being back in the playoffs.”

“Our bench has been really good. Really, starting at Phoenix, and they've taken off. They're a big part of our team, big part of what we do. We rely on their speed, their ability to turn the game inside out. Jose (Alvarado), Naji (Marshall) climbing the guys defensively. Playing with speed and force. Larry (Nance Jr.) – huge effort across the board.”

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Brandon Ingram on playoff berth, bench players energy | Pelicans-Kings Play-In Postgame 4/19/2024

On getting the team ready to play after losing Zion Williamson:

“Communication, talking every possession. We knew how important today was, we knew where we wanted to be, we knew where we belonged. It’s been two years since we’ve been back in the playoffs, and now we get another chance to go out there and continue to fight.”

On his role changing when Zion Williamson is out:

“I have more of a scoring role. I got to do everything on the basketball floor still, just a little bit more, be more aggressive. The margin of error is way shorter now. Every time down the floor, we have to get a good shot, we have to get defensive stops, we have to rebound the basketball. We know that’s most important for the playoffs.”

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Larry Nance Jr. talks bench unit, returning to playoffs | Pelicans-Kings Play-In Postgame 4/19/2024

On turning the page after the loss to the Lakers

“Nobody felt bad for us. Obviously, The Lakers are a good team, they have some pretty decent players over there. We’re confident going into the next one. Coming into this one, our record against this team helps. It brings a little bit of confidence and a little bit of swagger that we carry into the game.”

“We deserve it. That’s how we felt coming into this game and that’s how we felt going into the last game. You don’t win 49 games by accident, that doesn’t happen. You don’t just slip and do that in a historic conference. We’re a really good team and we deserve to be here. We showed that tonight and we’re proud to be going to Oklahoma.”

On performance tonight to clinch the playoffs:

“It means a lot. That’s all we wish to do: go to the playoffs. We got to get ready, regroup, and get a game plan and go fight on Sunday.”

“He’s my guy, he’s my little brother all the time. I love him and he’s a great player. I wish him luck and congrats to the off season.”

Statement Edition

Los Angeles Lakers at New Orleans Pelicans

Icon Edition

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New Orleans Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings NBA Play-In Tournament Postgame Quotes | 4/19/2024

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Willie Green on Zion Williamson's injury, tough loss | Pelicans vs. Lakers Play-in 4/16/24

“Obviously, tough loss for us. The guys battled, I’m extremely proud of that group – how they fought, they hung in there. We got back in the game by just simply upping our physicality, keeping them out of our paint, and we fell short in the end. That’s the disappointing part, but, we got to feel this one tonight and regroup and get ready for another one.”

On not having Zion in the last few minutes of the game:

“It was tough to see him go down. We’re all praying and hoping that he is ok. He was battling, he was going, and the team was right there with him.”

On Zion’s performance in his first postseason game:

“He was fantastic. He settled into the game, he continued to attack, he found seams, he rebounded the ball. When he’s attacking like that, he’s a tough matchup for anybody. We have him for a few more minutes, we have a chance to pull this thing out.”

On tonight’s Play-In loss to the Lakers:

“It’s a tough one. Obviously, this is a game where we wanted to win on our home court against them [Los Angeles Lakers], but all we can do is recoup and go again on Friday. That’s all we can do.”

On getting two days rest before the second Play-In game:

“Two days is great. Obviously, it’s been a long season, and I think it’s good for both teams that they [the NBA] didn’t have it Thursday. Like I said, this one hurt, but all we can do is go back to the drawing board and get this one Friday.”

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Trey Murphy III on energy shift, Zion Williamson | Pelicans vs. Lakers Play-In 4/16/24

On how tough it was to lose Zion Williamson at the end of the game after his 40-point performance:

“It’s tough obviously. Especially with all the work he has put in this season, he has a career-high in games that he has played throughout his entire career. You wish the best for him, and it definitely sucks.”

On the mindset going into Friday night’s contest against either the Kings or Warriors:

“You can definitely look at the film, but it’s a do-or-die game. Whoever we play, they are going to come in with the mentality that it can be their last game of the season so they are going to play as hard as they can. Obviously, you can look at the film, but we have to be prepared for a dogfight."

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New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers NBA Play-In Tournament Postgame Quotes | 4/16/2024

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Willie Green on defense in loss, turnovers | Pelicans-Lakers Postgame Interview 4/14/24

On why they couldn’t stop the Lakers in the paint:“They played with a ton of force. They came out right away and into that first half, they punched us right in the mouth and they kept going. We let a really good opportunity slip away.”

On the challenge at the center position and the Anthony Davis matchup:“They are really good at the pick-and-rolls, pocket pass, (Anthony) Davis getting behind the defense or catching it. So, it is something that we will look at on film and get back to work tomorrow. We got this team again. So, tough loss for us. We knew what the deal was, they came out, they were the aggressors. When you are the aggressive team, things go your way, and they had us on our heels all game.”

On what they need to do better on Tuesday:“Well, number one, we have to come back with the right mentality. They were the aggressors. We have to be the aggressive team. We have to be the more physical team. We have to keep them out of our paint and make them take contested shots and rebound the ball: all things that we did not do for a sustainable amount of time. Then, we have to take care of the ball. 19 turnovers. We had been doing a great job offensively taking care of the ball, we come back today and they scored 27 points off of our turnovers, that is another factor.”

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Zion Williamson on loss, adjustments for Tuesday | Pelicans-Lakers Postgame Interview 4/14/24

On how the Lakers executed:“They got whatever they wanted in the paint. They dominated us in the paint tonight.”

On adjustments going into Tuesday’s game against the Lakers:“We have to go back and watch the film to break down the details and regroup as a team.”

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CJ McCollum on Brandon Ingram, Play-In adjustments | Pelicans-Lakers Postgame Interview 4/14/24

On the disparity in points in the paint:“I think it was a combination of turnovers and they got in transition with some lobs, some dunks, some slips, and backdoor cuts. It was a combination of everything.”

On turnovers being a problem tonight:“I had some early and they got out and ran in transition. Overall, 19 turnovers is too many, as they are going to get points off of those. They are going to get threes and they are going to get dunks. They feed off that so we need to do a better job taking care of the ball.”

City Edition

San Antonio Spurs at New Orleans Pelicans

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New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers Postgame Quotes | 4/14/2024

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Willie Green recaps win | Kings-Pelicans Postgame Interview 4/11/2024

ON BEATING A TEAM FIVE TIMES DURING A REGULAR SEASON

&nbsp;“It’s such a tremendous blessing to have this opportunity to coach this team. That group of guys in the locker room, they’re resilient, they stick together. They go out each and every night and give it everything they have. To your point, it’s hard to beat a team five times in a season and just a gutsy on our part.”

ON C.J McCOLLUM BEING CLOSE TO SETTING A FRANCHISE RECORD IN THREE POINTERS MADE IN A SINGLE SEASON

“It’s a preparation meets opportunity moment for C.J. It started in the summer for him. He stayed in New Orleans pretty much all summer, lifting, conditioning, shooting, doing everything to prepare for this season. He knew that we were going to have to rely on him heavily. You’re seeing that work ethic pay off.”

ON BOTH DYSON DANIELS AND HERB JONES DEFENSE ON DE’AARON FOX

“Both Dyson and Herb were tremendous on him. They tried to wear him down as best they could. He’s just one of those guys that he figures out a way to put up points, but I thought we made it difficult for him. We tried to make him guard on the other end. He’s a heck of a player, but those two guys, 6’7, have size and strength. Both can guard, so we just kept throwing them at him and trying to wear him down for the rest of the game. I thought they did a solid job.”

ON THE FOCUS REQUIRED TO BEAT A TEAM FIVE TIMES IN A SEASONH

“Consistency in the approach. Consistency in the game plan. Withstanding runs. It’s a tough environment to playing here. So it’s a credit to our team, credit to our staff and our guys for doing what it takes to get wins in tough environments.”

ON ZION WILLIAMSON BEING ABLE TO TAKE OVER IN THE SECOND HALF

“He was aggressive and assertive. He had a couple of pull-ups, got to the free throw line. He was an artist tonight. Figuring out how he wanted to paint his canvas and did a tremendous job of helping us close the game.”

ON THE SEASON HE’S BEEN ABLE TO PUT TOGETHER THIS YEAR

“I don’t really evaluate until the season is over honestly. I worked really hard this summer like I always do. It was focused work, understanding what they were going to ask of me, understand what I need to accomplish. From conditioning to three a days, six days a week. A lot of sacrifice went into my summer and it’s paying off. For us it’s about continuing to win, continuing to accomplish what we want which is making the playoffs and them making a run.”

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Zion Williamson talks big win | Kings-Pelicans Postgame Interview 4/11/2024

ON THE FOCUS IT REQUIRES TO BEAT A TEAM FIVE TIMES IN ONE SEASON

“Requires a lot of focus. Especially with a team like that. They’re always fighting until the final second goes off the clock. So for us it was play all the way through the clock.”

ON GETTING OFF TO A 33-11 START IN THE FIRST QUARTER

“I’ve been saying in the past few press conferences; every game is important for us. We want to have a complete game from start to finish. We start the game off on fire, getting a lot of open looks. They had cut the lead a few times but we were able to maintain and execute.”

ON C.J McCOLLUM’S VETERAN PRESENCE AND LEADERSHIP

“I spoke on this before. C.J has been a really important piece of this team all year long. I remember at the beginning of the year I kind of went to him and was like “look, I’m not where I need to be.” And you know he was honest with me he said, “you do what you got to do.” And he kind of picked up the weight for me. A teammate like that, you can’t speak highly enough about him. He’s a good dude on and off the court. He’s been playing at a really high level this year and honestly I’m just glad to have a dude like that around.”

New Orleans Pelicans at Sacramento Kings

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Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans Postgame Quotes | 4/11/2024

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Willie Green recaps loss | Pelicans-Spurs Postgame Interview 4/5/2024

“Not our best execution. But that’s an area of growth. But, look, we had one down the stretch where we had the block and we talk about that – where (Victor) Wembanyama is down there when you drive, you got to be looking to kick out. The late one we just fumbled the ball.”

On the adjustments they made defending CJ McCollum in the second half:

“Yeah, they started picking him up a little bit. He missed some easy shots, but we’re asking CJ (McCollum) to do a lot. He’s been really good with trying to carry the load as much as he can. Teams are going to pressure him, try to take the ball out of his hands and make it difficult on him, and force other guys to have play make for us.”

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CJ McCollum | Pelicans-Spurs Postgame Interview 4/5/2024

“You just have to continue to compete, get back to the basics. I have to play better. I think it just starts with looking within...everybody looking from within, figuring out how you can contribute more and be better and be more efficient and more consistent throughout a 48-minute game. If we do that, we’ll have a better result.”

“Just missed shots. Have to continue to trust the work, continue to get to my spots and look for results. Be better is the biggest thing. I had a good first half, didn’t shoot the ball well in the second half. That was part of the difference in the game, but I mean, we also have to guard better, collectively, one through five. I have to guard better, everybody’s got to guard better and give ourselves a chance to win some of these games. If we get stops it makes the games easier, and we didn’t get enough stops to execute down the stretch tonight."

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New Orleans Pelicans vs. San Antonio Spurs Postgame Quotes | 4/5/2024

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Willie Green recaps game against Orlando Magic | Pelicans vs. Magic Postgame 4/3/24

On the team’s third quarter performance:

“Yeah, we have to create some stops, first and foremost, and then capitalize on our opportunities to get out and play on an open floor. They did a great job of packing the paint on Zion (Williamson), making us make some tough shots, and then they hit a few big threes to start the third quarter and that got them on a run.”

On how the team needs to play to be successful in the postseason:

“Keep staying steady through adversity, simple. Do what we do: come in, watch film, have a good practice and get back on the floor and do it again.”

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Zion Williamson on team expectations | Pelicans vs. Magic Postgame 4/3/24

On having six remaining regular season games left:

“Like I said, we have to have a higher level of focus. We just do. Spoke on it a lot throughout the year, but, at a certain point I just can’t keep speaking on it, you’ve got to make it happen. If you want to be one of those contenders, we’ve got to get winseven in tough games like these. We’ve got to figure out how to get wins.”

On fighting through adversity down the stretch of the regular season:

“Absolutely. Go into practice tomorrow and make sure the energy is high. Make sure nobody is tripping over what happened. Cause like I said, you can’t panic. There’s no need to panic, we just have to have a high level of focus and take it one game at a time.”

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CJ McCollum on being able to control your own destiny | Pelicans vs. Magic Postgame 4/3/24

On how he feels about where the Pelicans are with six regular season games to play:

“We’ve got 45 wins. We’ve got six games left. It’s not the end of the world. We’d like to have won more games at home during this homestand. But if you told me we have six games left before the playoffs start and a way to control our own destiny, Iwould say I’ll take that. We can look at it two ways, right? We’ve got to be better obviously, get back to the basics, but also, it’s not the end of the world. We lost some games that we feel like we should have won–but, still games left to be played. Still have a say in how this season is going to finish up for us and we still have control over how we play and hopefully we can get some wins and lock in this playoff seed.”

“I mean they’re a good defensive team. I think they’re rated the second-best defensive team in the NBA so they make you play in the yard, they load up on the paint, and they close out well. They do a good job of playing a lot of scrambles. Some of it was us missing shots, some of it was them just playing good defense. I think these last six games we’ve played against good teams. Good defensive teams, they’ve got good offense, they’ve got star power, so you’re not going to get open looks all the time. It becomes more of a half court game and that’s why it’s really important to get stops. You get around in transition and be more free.”

Boston Celtics at New Orleans Pelicans

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New Orleans Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic Postgame Quotes | 4/3/2024

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