76ers 153, Wizards 131
Q. Brian, what did you see in the third quarter?
BRIAN KEEFE: Yeah, I think there was -- that third quarter is reflective of probably the first half, too. We actually played very well offensively in the first half. I think we had 19 assists. Obviously scored; also gave up 73 points.
So we really never established our defense in the game. We kept the game close because we are scoring but both team were just trade willing baskets. They obviously had a great start to the third quarter and that's where the game kind of got separated.
Q. What were your impressions of Paul George and how effective he was?
BRIAN KEEFE: Obviously played pretty well tonight, but he's been doing this for a long time, so he's a good player.
Q. AG had a career high. The string of games he's been able to put together here as of late, how has it benefited your team and his ability to just be ready at a moment's notice?
BRIAN KEEFE: I though he was one of the keys tonight that we could run our offense through him. Obviously had the scoring but he had six assists also. We were playing through him on the elbows and we were getting some cuts off him.
But this is what AG does. He always produces. Always going to be ready to play. Not surprising in the least.
Q. There was a stretch that you had a smaller lineup out there. I know obviously injuries played a role in who is able and whatnot?
BRIAN KEEFE: Yeah.
Q. What did you like from that with Jamir and Justin? Seemed like they were your bigs on this lineup. What did you like from them? What did you not like in that that you kind of went away from it?
BRIAN KEEFE: Yeah, some of that was like you said, Tristan got banged up there so we went small. Those guys have played the five before, so that he have had a function with their offense, both of them. I thought we got some good movement. Started scoring the ball. Actually made them call a timeout.
I think we cut it to 14 with that group, so there were some positives there. But those guys have played in that position before.
Q. So to start the game, there was a point where the 76ers got off quick, got a double digit lead. Then the Wizards cut it down, took a lead of your own, and dominated for a lot of second quarter. From your observations, what do you think played the biggest role in that upside that the Wizards had in that second quarter of the game?
BRIAN KEEFE: It was our offense and our passing. Like we were really sharing the ball. Our pace was great. We were getting great shots. I think that was a big part of that. We were really sharing the ball.
We never got our defense involved and that's -- you can't just trade baskets in the NBA.
Q. I don't think a lot of fans would associate AG with the passing touch. Yet you were right, he was running offense for a lot of stints out there.
BRIAN KEEFE: Yeah.
Q. Any chance even though he had an older fellow, has he like developed as a passer or do you just try to hone in on that this season?
BRIAN KEEFE: Give credit to him. He's getting better. Like he's involved. His game has involved since I've been here. We have asked him to play the five; he can do versatile things there. Running the offense through him and also guarding multiple positions.
I think he's getting better and he's shown that each year that I've coached him.
Q. Justin and Tristan okay?
BRIAN KEEFE: Don't know yet. Obviously those guys got hit in the game. We'll see.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports