Willie Green talks about loss | Pelicans-Cavaliers post-match interview 03/13/2024
Willie Green, Pelicans head coach
“Give them credit. They came in and played a really good overall solid game. They took a few photos. This comes partly from them, partly from us. We have to be better.
On third quarter performance:
“I thought we were a half-step to a step slow on everything. They played with more urgency. Given their current situation, in the last 3 or 4 games they lost a few, so coming in they were the hungriest team. It’s one of those games where you build momentum, winning 3 or 4 games in a row and coming home after a long road trip and we had a disappointment. So that doesn’t give any indication of who we’ve been and the guys know that, we have to be better.
Zion Williamson recaps defeat | Pelicans-Cavaliers post-match interview 03/13/2024
Pelicans forward Zion Williamson
On how the game has slowed down for him compared to years past:
“Just maturity, being in the league for five years. I was talking about it but the first year felt really fast. Second year started fast but slowed down a bit. Then I pretty much missed the next two years. So this year, I was kind of finding my rhythm again. As the season progresses, the game slows down again and I thank my coaches for trusting me to handle the ball. My teammates also know where to find me when I attack certain locations. »
Cavaliers Head Coach JB Bickerstaff
On the teams’ performance this evening:
“I thought we did an incredible job of just sharing the basketball. 38 assists on 47 baskets scored. It’s great, it means everyone gets involved, everyone shares. Two guys from your bench combined for 18 assists with Sam (Merrill) and Green (Caris LeVert). It’s just membership [and] the altruism we have shown all year.
On the teams’ defense tonight:
“We were elite tonight defensively and I was proud of our effort. Again, it’s about taking on individual challenges and then being great at what we do. I think we knew we had to keep going and when we win basketball games it’s because of our defense, so we knew we had to come out and defend with a purpose and we did that.
Cavaliers center Damian Jones
On having one of his best games of the year so far and it being at Louisiana State:
“Yeah, I mean, the opportunity presented itself. So it happens.
On his mentality tonight with the opportunity you were given:
“Just based on the game, playing. The coach said they were having a little trouble with transition defense. So, I make sure to run. They put emphasis on beating my man on the field and there would be more opportunities open. So we just have to make it happen.”
