Wizards 120, Magic 112
Q. Five steals for you tonight, a matchup with Banchero. How do you feel like you played defensively?
BILAL COULIBALY: I think I imposed my will from the jump, and it was pretty good, having that steal, first action. Yeah, with Banchero, was just being physical with him because the last game I was not being physical enough and he scored a lot of points, so I was trying to do better.
Q. What can you say about the team's overall defensive effort and how it helped you guys?
BILAL COULIBALY: We're doing a great job because we're watching a lot of film about the spots we're supposed to be in, and everybody is in the right spots now more often. Yeah, it's just easier, way easier, for everybody.
Q. What did you see from a defensive standpoint with the way that Alex defended and protected the rim for you guys?
BILAL COULIBALY: He's been great. Whenever you get beat you know you've got him behind you, so it's really great to have somebody like that protecting the rim.
Q. What type of rhythm do you feel like you're in, not just offensively but defensively? It seems like you have taken your defense to a different level in the last five or six games.
BILAL COULIBALY: Yeah, a lot of talking with coaches. He tells me exactly what he wants, and that leads to doing my own things defensively now, just do your thing, just shut him off. So yeah, I'm just having fun.
Q. That's five out of seven wins now, and you've been healthy for that stretch. Even though Kyshawn has been out, how do you think the team has strung together this stretch in that time?
BILAL COULIBALY: We're playing really good. We're playing fast. We're getting stops. That's what makes it a lot easier offensively, too. You can get the rebounds and push in transition. So yeah, everybody is on a good path, easy play, and yeah, that's just how we want to play.
Q. Offensively for you, do you think you being healthy for these consecutive weeks now has helped you get into a little bit of a groove?
BILAL COULIBALY: Yeah, definitely. Playing my spots, getting my rebounds, pushing, and yeah, my body feels really good, so yeah, it's definitely helped.
Q. What has it been like for you to find your shot back, find the spots where you're more comfortable attacking, obviously starting in the corners but getting stuff off the dribble, too?
BILAL COULIBALY: Yeah, it's great. It just gets me going. Playing good offense helps you play good defense, too, being confident. Yeah, it just makes it easier for me.
Q. How do you feel like your other young teammates, including yourself, has matured in these clutch situations?
BILAL COULIBALY: We've been good. I remember Milwaukee it was the same thing. We just get in and do the right things. The vets are doing a great job, too, to calm everything down. Yeah, we're balling.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports