Raptors 125, Wizards 98
BRIAN KEEFE: The game got a little bit up and down in the third for both teams, but we were more competitive, but start really hurt us. Lots to learn from this game.
Q. Offensively with this start, did you see at least the intent to have more ball movement, more player movement?
BRIAN KEEFE: Not as much as we probably would have liked. Their physicality bothered us, but these are the things we're going to go through and learn from.
Q. What were your first impressions of Poole?
BRIAN KEEFE: He was fine. He was trying to get us organized, trying to get some speed into the game. I thought as the game settled in, he got his game going a little bit.
Q. BK, what did you like about the way you cleaned up the turnovers in the second half, only six in that second half compared to 13 in the first?
BRIAN KEEFE: Yeah, we tried to be a little bit more ball movement, sharing a little bit. I think we were playing in crowds and getting a little sticky in that first half. Their physicality bothered us. I thought we showed some improvement in the second.
Q. That third quarter you had the five of Bub, Kyshawn, Bagley, Davis and PBJ. What was it about that group that you really liked about what they were doing?
BRIAN KEEFE: It was their defense, defense to offense, some shot blocking at the rim, and then we were attacking, getting some offensive rebounds. That started with our defense.
Q. How did you think Alex Sarr played?
BRIAN KEEFE: Yeah, I thought he did good. I think he was getting his feet wet, underneath him that first quarter, but after that he played pretty well, showed his versatility, his ability to do multiple things on both ends of the floor. I thought he had a pretty good night.
Q. What did you make of the atmosphere?
BRIAN KEEFE: Yeah, great. You could tell the crowd was great, they were enthusiastic. Really enjoyed our time here the last few days. The crowd was into it.
Q. The Raptors have made a point in the preseason of really emphasizing ball pressure, especially at the point of attack. Did you see any of that between Mitchell and Chet?
BRIAN KEEFE: Yeah, I think their whole team did it tonight. That's something they've been working on. You could feel their physicality. They were pressuring the ball and that affected us today.
Q. With Sarr, did you see more physicality than he maybe showed in Summer League?
BRIAN KEEFE: No, and he's been doing this. He's been good for us the whole time, even going back to there. I think his game is progressing. We're seeing him grow. We're learning about him on a game-to-game, week-to-week basis. Was happy with how he responded after a little bit of a tough start.
Q. Where did you see the progression?
BRIAN KEEFE: Offensive boards, challenging shots at the rim, his physicality, rolling, putting pressure on the rim.
Q. You played with pace but also keeping in mind of not having those live ball or careless turnovers. How do you balance that while also making sure there is that element of growth and learning?
BRIAN KEEFE: Yeah, I think to me, we actually didn't play with much pace. We want to play with half-court pace, too, a little bit more movement, harder cuts. I think their physicality caused us to have some unforced turnovers, but give them credit, they were physical tonight.
Q. The Poole-Sarr pick-and-roll seemed to have some success. What did you like about it?
BRIAN KEEFE: Jordan is a threat when he comes off, then Alex has the ability to play vertical at the rim, get down there really quick. Something we're learning about these guys, the combinations that work.
Q. Talk about Kyshawn's play tonight. Obviously a huge cheering section for him. What did that mean to him, and how did he look?
BRIAN KEEFE: I thought he looked as the game went, he grew and got better. I'm sure this was a thrill for him to come back and play in front of kind of like his hometown, where his dad is from. His shot making, his ability to see the game, those were things I saw as the game progressed.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports