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Written by Media Relations
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Tuesday, 20 November 2007 |
WIZARDS HEAD COACH EDDIE JORDAN
On the upcoming schedule:
“Every opponent in the NBA is a quality opponent. We think that we’re coming around. We feel good about where we are and how we’re playing. If we play hard, share the ball, keep our composure, and stay organized, then we have a good shot and we’ll let the winning take care of itself.”
On the Wizards’ defensive effort:
“We have spent a lot of time on defense. Randy Ayers has done a terrific job with our basic defensive principles, our practice plans and emphasis during the games. He’s been a real key for our defensive presence. Our guys have put in the effort. They have bought into the system. They listen to the principles and how important it is to be a better defensive team so that we can get to another level.”
On the offense:
“I think we are moving the ball much better than we were last year at this point. The continuity is helping. We understand each other’s games and we understand that our chemistry is important. When you are 0-5, you see the tape. You see how the ball isn’t moved, you see the low assists, and you see the high turnovers. High assists, low turnovers, caring about defense, and moving the basketball – the formula is just right for us to win.”
On Nick Young
:“You know the direction a roller coaster goes, right? That’s what most young guys go through. He had some tough moments early this season, and all of a sudden he’s at the top of his game. We hope he can stay up there for awhile. I think he understands how it came about. Through defensive effort, he got a few breakaways. He played within the offense and we stayed organized. We saw the match-up that he had, and that was good. We have to try to sustain some type of consistency.”
On the Philadelphia 76ers:
“They’re a very athletic team. I think (Samuel) Dalembert may be back, and they are a better team with him. They always play hard, and (76ers Coach Maurice) Cheeks is always changing defenses, so we have to be ready to read the defense, stay organized, and do what we have to do.”
On Gilbert Arenas:
“It seems like he’s going to play. Our policy is that whenever we can give him some time off, we will. I told him not to eat a lot of turkey on Thursday so he might stay a little lighter in the pants on Friday and Saturday.”
WIZARDS FORWARD/GUARD CARON BUTLER
On the keys to Saturday’s win:
“The team that wins the rebound battle is usually the team that wins the game. We just try to control the glass – Brendan, Antawn, myself…so many guys were getting in there. And the key to the win was moving the ball. We had a lot of assists that game.”
On his advice to rookie Nick Young after his breakout game in Saturday’s win:
“Don’t get comfortable. That was one good night, but in order to be a great player in this league, it has to be something that happens night in and night out. This league is about consistency, and whenever you get the opportunity, you have to take full advantage of it. I thought he did a great job in that last game.”
WIZARDS GUARD NICK YOUNG
On the last couple of days:
“It’s been great for me. I’m getting my confidence up. I have the veterans pressuring me, telling me to go out and play my game.”
On the team:“
They are happy to see me go out there and play. They joke around a little bit with me. It’s all fun. They told me not to get a big head.” On playing extended minutes:“It was great. I knew it was going to be a big opportunity for me. Gil told me the opportunity was knocking, so I had to take advantage of it.”
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