O.J. Mayo scored 26 points, including four 3-pointers, but the Grizzlies could not catch Vince Carter and the Nets, losing 100-89 at IZOD Center in New Jersey on Wednesday night. Rudy Gay added 23 points and six rebounds.
On the game:
We had a slow start tonight. We went with a smaller lineup just to get some more defense on Vince Carter. We just didn’t execute. We played catch-up from there and I thought our guys battled back well. We didn’t recover from the slow start. We have to make open shots and we did for a little while. The Nets went through a long stretch where they missed a lot and we were right there back in the game. We cut it to within seven points. We played catch-up from there and with a young team you just cant do that. Tonight we got out hustled. The Nets were diving on the ground. We need to have that type of grit and fire and get on the floor and we’re not doing it.
On the slow start:
I wish I could explain why. I think we’re not trusting each other on defense, not trying to help each other. Obviously we need to, we’re just not doing it.
On why when they cut into the lead they couldn’t sustain a run
I think when we get on a little run and start making some shots we figure we’ll do it again and start playing a little bit selfish. We play as individuals, not moving without the ball, not cutting and just taking outside shots instead.
On if the Nets getting most of the loose balls was the result of more aggressiveness
I think so, you know the ball finds hard work and they worked hard tonight. I give them all the credit but we have to work harder to get to the loose balls and try to convert them into points. Those types of loose ball opportunities changed the game for us.
On if the Nets getting most of the loose balls was the result of more aggressiveness
We just have got to hustle no matter what, the loose balls we just have got to go get them.
On the Nets making high percentage shots and how to stop that defensively
Those guys have great players, they run schemes where they look at our defense and know where the open man is. We just have to help each other and talk a little bit better.
On the team assist total without Devin and overall team performance:
Yea I think it was huge, you know, 28 assists. We actually had more than 28 assists because we assisted on a couple of their field goals in that third quarter. But, we had great ball movement and distribution, and good intent. I thought that offensively, outside of the turnovers, we gave a very efficient effort. Defensively in the first half we struggled. Mayo got it going a little bit, 4-5 from 3 and Gasol hurt us. Basically in the third quarter we traded buckets and we got enough stops to maintain the lead and have decent control of the game.
On the big plays Yi made down the stretch
It was good to see Yi work his way through the game. He got off to a little bit of a tough start and he worked his way through it; he maintained his confidence. I was glad to see him in transition on the right side of the board pull up and shoot that jumper. You know, like I said, for me it’s not about the numbers, it’s about the effort, the intent, trying to do it on both ends and just trying to get better.
On the game
When you get a lead like that, for us, we just have to protect the home court. We wanted to get a lead, keep a lead, put the game away.
On defense of O.J. Mayo
It wasn’t just me, it was a team effort. Our defensive scheme as a team is getting a lot better. OJ can really get it going and for a lot of us it was the first time seeing him. So you didn’t really know his tendencies etc… But he is a nice player and will be nice for a long time to come.
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