Hornets 117, Wizards 114
Q. I know you spoke about it before. Did you like the shot selections you were getting and they just weren't falling, or was it a combination of things that was happening?
WES UNSELD JR.: No, I thought in general, the shots were good. We've got to make a play and finish. I don't mind the open looks, the drives, the attacks. I thought in general, they were pretty good.
Q. Gaff down the stretch came up pretty good with some defensive plays. I know you talked about his willingness to do all the rebounding. How do you get that going in the fourth quarter?
WES UNSELD JR.: Yeah, it's big. We did a terrific job in that first half, pretty much for three quarters. I think he had five for eight points in that fourth, which was big. Two opportunities, turned it over. Once again, pretty good for three quarters. Those were big plays. But I think there's pretty good progression, in general. Came out very competitive, effort was there. I thought we moved the ball, shared the ball, created easy offense. Early in the game had a little bit of momentum, and we've got to find a way to close it.
Q. Third quarter had been an issue, kind of getting that same production in the first half going into the third quarter. Was there something different that happened?
WES UNSELD JR.: No, I think guys were just taking hold of that, and just kind of a mindset shift for the group because we can't afford to start slow. If we can get out the gate and win the first three minutes, it kind of internally forces that team to call a time-out. That's a momentum shift for us. That's a positive. We've got to keep leaning in on that. We did a lot of good things. I know it doesn't feel right, but I think it's stuff that we can build upon.
Q. Back-to-back games (indiscernible) what are you seeing from him?
WES UNSELD JR.: He's doing it organically. He's not forcing anything. He's taking the right types of shots. He's creating offense for his teammates. He's setting guys up, which is terrific. It's just another layer for him, to do that consistently. One rebound short of a triple-double, that's pretty good.
Q. What have you seen out of his growth (indiscernible).
WES UNSELD JR.: Well, I think he's cut down significantly on the turnovers. Those were turnovers of aggression, which I don't really mind, but he's taking better control of the ball, making solid decisions, getting guys organized especially, which has helped us tremendously offensively.
Q. (Indiscernible).
WES UNSELD JR.: Yeah, I think just managing that wave. I thought we had some good stretches where they pushed and we pushed back. Obviously we didn't make enough plays late to get it done, but that's progress. To be in those situations where the game is tight, game is in the balance, I think that's growth for us. Continue to lean in on that.
I think when guys get going, what's the next layer? How do we put that fire out, get Bridges involved, break down the stretch, he hit some tough shots, and we had some answerable shots that we just didn't make.
Q. Another big night for Jordan, back-to-back games now that he's been able to have some success. What's the conversation with him now that he's seeming to get into a rhythm offensively?
WES UNSELD JR.: I don't think he realizes. I think he just needed to see the ball go in. I've spoken about it before, he works incessantly, so I'm not surprised. He's going to continue to find his rhythm, and the offense will pick up more.
Q. Another big production from the bench. I know I asked you about the character of the defense before the game, but running when necessary, especially Landry late in the game, what did he bring off the bench?
WES UNSELD JR.: Well, I think he's been in that role where it's very lead-up, just you call his number, he goes in, he understands how he can impact the game. Shooting aside, I think he's done a pretty good job defensively. The space at which he moves and cuts not only in the open floor but in the half court helps create easy offense, and of course teams are going to guard him as a shooter, so that's going to open things up for us, as well. But he just has that mature approach. I think that's what allows him to stay ready.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports