Wizards 109, Kings 102
Q. What did you think of Richaun tonight?
DENI AVDIJA: I think Richaun did a great job. First of all, I really like playing with him. He knows to be in the right spots. He's playing his mind off, and I feel like he's doing a good job on the glass. He's really helping us box out, get the boards, get stops, protecting the rim, finishing in the paint. All those stuff is really important for us, especially as a group, and I feel like he did a great job of that tonight.
Q. How much do you know about Tristan Vukcevic being a fellow European prospect, and have you had a chance to communicate with him at all?
DENI AVDIJA: He just arrived. We had dinner together. It was good. We just were talking about like how it's been for him in Europe and how his journey -- gave him some tips for a rookie who starts in the NBA. I think he's a great player. He has great potential. I'm happy he's with us. Hopefully he's going to be able to play and show off his skills this season.
Q. Season is wrapping up. This year you've broken out offensively. Obviously you're already a dog defensively. What's the next level? What's next?
DENI AVDIJA: Counters. I feel like counters, being better in communicating on defense, be a defensive leader, putting everybody in the right spot, and offensively just keep being consistent, keep creating for others, and keep countering. People are slowly going to close out my right hand, which is good. Means I need to work on my left hand, maybe take some mid-range shots if it's a little packed in the paint.
But I'm slowly progressing. I'm not rushing the process. I'm still trying to dominate simple and do my job, and when the chance will come with the experience, I think I'll be fine with the hard work, as well. That's about it. I'm not thinking about it right now, but I appreciate the compliment, thank you.
Q. You and Kuz returned tonight but were still missing a lot of key players. What's it like when you're in a rotation with a lot of moving parts?
DENI AVDIJA: I mean, that's kind of the situation. I came back after three games. A lot of our young guys kind of played a lot of heavy minutes, and I think they did a great job carrying the load. Me and Kuz came back today. Obviously we got some more players, important players who needs to come back. Hopefully they get healthy soon.
But I think it was big time. Everybody was involved today. Everybody played good, competed, and that's what team basketball is all about. That's why it's a beautiful game.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports