Pistons 129, Wizards 117
Q. What would you point to as the major advantage and difference for them tonight?
WES UNSELD JR.: Well, there was a disadvantage on the glass, of course, but I just think we didn't have the same energy, that same defensive disposition as the other night, not in totality. We had it in stretches.
But obviously Gaff getting hurt, that put us at a deficit, and Deni missed about six minutes in that window, forced to downsize a little bit, so I think we were off kilter offensively, as well, with Kuz at 5. Not something we've done a ton of this year.
But give them credit. They played well. They defended, shot the ball well, so to their credit, they deserved to win that game.
Q. How is Gaff doing? And you mentioned Deni; looked like maybe his hand?
WES UNSELD JR.: Yeah, his thumb. I don't think it's anything substantial, just got it caught in a jersey and tweaked it there.
Gaff took a shot to the head, so just being evaluated.
Q. Especially during the third quarter, what did you see from the team's energy? Did you think that was maybe a little lower than what you would have wanted to see?
WES UNSELD JR.: I think it's not just in the third but throughout. A lot of it is when you don't make shots and there's a little bit of frustration in that area, I think it does take away a little bit from your defense. We've got to be able to compartmentalize those two and stay with our process offensively and anchor ourselves defensively in what we need to do.
We had some good possessions, and then you just don't come up with a defensive rebound, the ball gets kicked around and the loose 50/50 ball we don't get, so those are the tough ones.
Q. What was Isaiah Stewart doing in particular? Looked like he got under Kuz's skin when he was guarding him.
WES UNSELD JR.: It's two competitive guys. I think that's part of the game.
Q. I meant what was he doing on defense?
WES UNSELD JR.: Oh, nothing. I mean, they're switching, and at times that can bottle you up. I thought Kuz had some drives maybe he got fouled that weren't called, so that leads to a little bit of frustration, but I'm not going to take anything away from Detroit. They played a good game.
Q. What do you think about the way Patrick Baldwin took advantage of the opportunity today?
WES UNSELD JR.: I think he did well. To his credit, came in, made some shots, stepped up with confidence, and I think when the ball found him, those were great looks for us, especially against traditional coverage.
He's going to have to do more of that when he gets the opportunity, stretching the floor, opening up the court a little bit, use his shooting to his advantage in space a little bit, so it's good to see the ball go in.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports