Nets 102, Wizards 94
Q. What did you see with your team's offensive late-game execution?
WES UNSELD JR.: It wasn't good. We had six turnovers in that fourth for 12 points, and some of them were just miscues. I don't think it was anything egregious. But those type of things happen at times. It took us out of rhythm, allowed them to run out, get easy buckets. I think that was pretty much the differential.
Q. With some of Jordan's turnovers there, how much of that do you attribute to a lack of familiarity with teammates, a lack of reps down the stretch?
WES UNSELD JR.: Well, I don't think it's a lack of familiarity. I think it's just bad timing, of course. If those happen early in the game, then you have a very condensed period -- the fourth quarter to decide the bounce, I think that's where it really stands out.
Overall the turnovers weren't horrific tonight as far as number. However, those did come at a crucial time for us.
Q. To what degree do you consider -- I know you hate to lose to say the least, but do you see a sign of progress purely on the defensive end when the team defended when its offense wasn't playing like it normally does?
WES UNSELD JR.: Yeah, we're not going to have too many shooting nights where we're 24 percent from three and the whole team 102. Did a good job of both controlling the paint and getting to the three-point line.
A few things we had to take care of. The transition as a whole was a nonfactor outside of the live ball turnovers. So pleased with those areas. Those were some things we knew going in that were going to be a priority.
Q. You guys had multiple times in the second and third quarter, you'd get into a two-possession game and then they'd get it back up a little bit and finally in that fourth quarter you guys had a breakthrough. What changed for you guys to finally get over that hump?
WES UNSELD JR.: I think just staying with what we're trying to do. Whether we make or miss shots, I think that's just -- you're going to have nights like that. I think when we're able to stay in a game that's pretty closely contested and do it on the defensive end, guys are trying to make the right play, eventually they'll break through and make the shots.
Q. What did you think of Bilal's performance?
WES UNSELD JR.: He was really good. He looks really calm out there, very confident. He's aggressive. He's got a pretty good beat on when and how. He looks comfortable behind the three-point line, which is I think a bright spot.
So I just think continue to build. He did some really good things defensively, as well.
Q. Were you expecting it to be a quicker transition for him than other rookies given he was playing pro --
WES UNSELD JR.: Not necessarily. It's a different game. We view the games as different. The competition level is obviously different.
It's a new -- schematically what we're trying to do. So there's a lot of newness for him, new teammates, the whole nine. I think he's progressed remarkably well. We had really no timetable to say, well, he needs to be at this point at this juncture. We're going to take it slow with him, and pleased where he's progressed.
Q. What do you expect from him?
WES UNSELD JR.: Well, he's got to continue to grow, continue to dial into his habits, which he's done a terrific job with. Hang his hat on the defensive end and continue to expand his offense.
Q. One thing DeMar obviously is good at was (indiscernible) with turnovers. Obviously that wasn't a problem today. Is that an encouraging sign?
WES UNSELD JR.: Yeah, I think so. We've been able to get a lot of those deflections, steals, turnovers by being in the right spot, and I think the last two games we've shown we have the ability to do that. So continuing to be disciplined defensively I think gives you a chance.
A lot of times you'll fall into those deflections and steals just being in the right place at the right time.
Q. What happened with Dan's thumb?
WES UNSELD JR.: Just kind of jammed it. It was a little tender, but he was able to come back in the game. That group was rolling. Playing small was good for us. We just kind of stayed with it.
Q. How do you describe the work Bilal has done with his long-range shooting from the moment he was drafted to now?
WES UNSELD JR.: Well, I just think just breaking down all the prep prior to the catch, being consistent with every facet of the shot, his prep, his catch, the ball placement, the release, and just dialing into that every day. He's doing the same routine.
There's a comfortability with that. When the game speeds up a little bit, you can fall back on that routine, and it gives you a sense of -- I think it just gives you a sense of calmness.
Q. Who are some of the assistant coaches or maybe the other staff members who were helping --
WES UNSELD JR.: Brian Keefe has become a point person with him, I think Landon Tatum. But there's a handful of guys that touch him. I think it's been great. Give him credit; he's the one doing the work. It's good to see him really lean in on the process of it.
Q. What did you see on your team's defensive boards tonight?
WES UNSELD JR.: Yeah, we didn't get as many as we wanted. We know going in, long shot, long rebound puts a lot of pressure on your guys to get back in the mix and collect some rebounds.
Early in the game I think we gave up a handful of (indiscernible). Got better after the first eight minutes, but still, if we can avoid those stretches, that's going to help us.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports