LA Clippers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Postgame Quotes | 2/7/2024

RE: Strong execution in game play

“It’s exhilarating to see our team lock in like we did. We knew that the last time we played them on our home floor, they dominated the game starting the second quarter. Then watching the Clippers over the last couple months, they’ve been one of the best teams in the league. It was great to see all of our guys lock in from the start. Like you said Jen, wire-to-wire, high game-plan, disciplined game for us.”

RE: Cutting off the three-point line

“I liked the fact that we were aggressive, we were physical, and we contested all their shots. We finished possessions. They’re a good team. They’re one of the best in the league for a reason. They’re sound defensively. They got a ton of guys that can hurt you on the offensive side of the ball, so Herb [Jones], Dyson [Daniels], BI [Brandon Ingram], Z [Zion Williamson], across the board, JV [Jonas Valanciunas, CJ [CJ McCollum], Larry [Nance]. Like I told the team, this was a true character win against a worthy opponent.”

RE: How was this game for you?

“I would just say..Herb Jones set the tone defensively, like he always does. He makes it tough on their…opposing guys, I think it’s really a credit to him. We come in our second year and we’re supposed to push the pace, defend at a high level, and really just change the pace of the game. So I think when Herb sets a tone like that it makes it a lot easier for us.”

RE: Knocking down shots in the first quarter

“It was cool. Definitely think it might have been the first time I hit consecutive threes in row in a long time, so I think all it is continuing to chop wood, carry water. Just continue to stay in my routine, not get too high, not get too low, and understand it’s gonna get back where it’s supposed to be. I know I can shoot the ball with the best of them, so I’ll get there eventually.”

RE: Continued struggles against the same teams

“Two great teams. Regular season, every game is different. But tonight, with their adjustment, it was pretty good. Willie [Green] did a good job putting Herb [Jones] on James [Harden] and putting Kawhi [Leonard] on Zion [Williamson], I mean Zion on Kawhi. It worked. It worked tonight and they played well, so I’ll give them credit.”

RE: Road trips impact on tonight

“I mean it’s not tough to get up for a game. Just trying to bring the energy in any way you can. It was a tough game for us, no excuses. I’m pretty sure we’re not the only team that’s gone through this, but it is what it is. Everyone has a bad scheduled game at some point during the season and we came off a 13-day trip, landed at 2:30, and then played a really good team the next day that’s beat us 10 out of 12. Like I said, they played well. They played better than we did, we had 18 turnovers for 24 points. Didn’t have a rhythm to the game, didn’t have a flow to the game. Kawhi [Leonard] only getting 10 shots, they did a good job double-teaming him. We didn’t handle that well. So, like I said, they played better than we did, their game plan was good and they won the game. That’s it.”

RE: Lessons after road trip

“Different ways of winning games. Whether it's small ball, whether it’s our big lineup, different guys, and closing the games. Every game brings a new opportunity for us, and I think we’re learning each other to where it’s like whoever finishes a game, we all have trust and faith in each other and coaches have 10 individual players. So, it was a good road trip for us. Tonight, it’s always difficult coming from a long road trip, but it’s not an excuse. We had plenty of opportunities to win the game, but fatigue a little bit played a part in it. Three games in four nights, Miami, Atlanta. So, it is what it is. It’s a part of it. Now we get some rest and finish the last three games strong.”

RE: Regarding the feeling at this point in the year compared with past seasons

“The group is focused. We’re just focused on moving forward. I guess that’s different more so than any other year. We’re honestly not looking to make any moves. I don’t think that we are looking in this locker room thinking, ‘Where can we get better?’ We know we have enough to win right now. And so I don’t think anyone is nervous or worried about their position and their spot here. I think we’re in a good place with a great locker room.”

RE: Regarding finding ways to contribute beyond just shooting

“I don’t ever pride myself on just being one-dimensional. I think I can do and cover all facets of the game. Shooting is whatever. It’s a make or miss league. I rely on being able to do multiple things on the floor, so not making shots doesn’t really affect me. Of course, I want to make shots, but when shots aren’t falling, I know there’s other things I can do to kind of help my team win.”