Mar. 30 vs. L.A. Clippers - Sam Mitchell and Doc Rivers Pregame Quotes
Timberwolves Interim Head Coach Sam Mitchell
On team winning more lately...
"I just think we’re trying to play good basketball… I just want us to play consistent and play hard. Play together. And they’ve done that."
Does being able to finish out games feed into that?
"Yeah, I think anytime at the end of games you can, especially when you have a lead and lose and still come back and win the game, it should bring some confidence. The thing we are trying to get our guys to understand is that you have to play 48 minutes. Every time you relax, every time you think the game is in hand, it’s really not."
Was the win over Clippers a turning point?"
It was a good win for us against a quality team, we showed some character, some toughness – mentally and physically… It’s one of 82 games and every night your guys got to learn to go and compete. We’re just trying to play good basketball."
Clippers Head Coach Doc Rivers
How will you keep everybody happy when the team is healthy?
"I don’t think it’s that hard once the playoffs start. Obviously everyone will want to play, but we’re trying to win. We’re going to try to put out there the best group that functions, not the best 12 players, but the 12 players that function."
Plenty of options…
"I like options. It allows us to play different ways, that’s where I think the same guys will play for the most part. Minutes will be cut, obviously you play your starters more in the playoffs, number one, so everybody’s minutes will get squeezed…. It will allow us to be very versatile."
On Chris Paul not playing in the Olympics…
"It’s a good decision… I just think it’s the right thing to do for him. He has served and he has served well, but he also has to take care of his body. He has a career. I think it is the right decision."