Wizards 118, Pistons 104
Q. Start off with the fourth quarter; Pistons ended up shooting 28 percent from behind the arc, eight turnovers. What did you like about that defense in that final push, in that final kick?
BRIAN KEEFE: I think it was actually a continuation of what we built off the other night. We started to have a little more defensive activity in our last game, and I think that carried over to tonight. Like I said in our pregame, defense has to be our calling card, what we put our name on, and I thought the guys really were competitive and fought, and those habits were great tonight.
Q. What does this win mean to you?
BRIAN KEEFE: Obviously very cool, but mostly just really excited for our guys and how they played and how they trusted each other. I thought we really trusted each other on the court. Our communication was great. On defense, we were putting multiple guys in there to rebound, and then when the guy was open, we made the correct pass.
I took great joy in our team doing that, and I think I was really happy that that paid off for a win for them. That brought a lot for me personally because to see them bond and connect with each other, that's why we all play this game. So I was thrilled for them.
Q. I'm sure you're aware, but Kuzma is from Michigan, from Flint. What have you grown to learn about him over the course of your time with him, and what did you think about the way he played down the stretch?
BRIAN KEEFE: I coached Kyle when he was a rookie, so I was with him with the Lakers, so I've known Kyle a long time. He is someone that has great belief in himself, and I'm someone who is a great believer in him. I've seen him from when he first started and how he made himself into this career. This guy has worked himself into a tremendous player, and I had complete faith in him down the stretch to make the right plays, and he did. Nice to have a guy from Flint on our team.
Q. Is that something that he had early in his career, or is that something you've seen him develop?
BRIAN KEEFE: He's had that, and he's developed it more. He had belief in himself when he first came out, but this is someone who's worked hard on his craft and continues to, so he's a great example for the rest of our team about how to be a professional and how to have great habits. I'm thrilled to be coach him, thrilled to be back with him.
Q. You kind of waited for each guy after the game to come off the court. Had a few words with Jordan and Kyle. What was the message in the locker room?
BRIAN KEEFE: The stuff that we talked about. We talked about at the beginning, two days ago I guess now, we've got to become a better defensive team, and we have to trust each other more offensively. I think they have done that so far.
We're not there yet. We have a long way to go. This is a couple days into the journey.
But this is the habits we've got to build, and that's what we talked about during the game, how we got the lead. How we got the lead is because we were defending, and that's something we've just got to keep working on.
Q. What's Marvin been doing so well? I think this is six straight double figures for him.
BRIAN KEEFE: Yeah, Marvin is great. Obviously just getting to learn him. Just his activity level. Attacking the rim, got great hands, obviously great athletic ability to get second-chance points, second jumps off the floor, and his defense has been great. Communicating, physical, rebounding. He's been awesome. Thrilled to have him with us for sure.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports