Nate McMillan says the Indiana Pacers' commitment to defense paid dividends in their win over the Chicago Bulls on Friday night.
Rick Carlisle on the Pacers' struggles to slow the 76ers: "I wouldn't say it's tricky. (Joel) Embiid is, he right now, he's probably the MVP with what their team is doing and how he's elevated his game. He's as difficult a guy to game plan for as there is in the game."
Myles Turner on the recent atmosphere at home: "It's completely different from last year to this year. It's been incredible.
Rick Carlisle, after the Pacers' win over the Pelicans on Monday: "I was impressed with every guy that stepped on the floor.
Tyrese Haliburton after the Pacers' loss to the Kings: "I thought we were in a position to win. We just didn't execute down the stretch."
Rick Carlisle says Tristan Thompson will soon join the Chicago Bulls: "We thanked him for what he's brought the last six or seven days. He brought a high level of professionalism. He's done a really good job. ... It's a rare instance where you get to thank a guy in the presence of his teammates."
Rick Carlisle was encouraged by the Indiana Pacers' play against the defending champs, but says containing Giannis Antetokounmpo was a challenge: "He's a great player. There were a lot of stretches we did a good job on him, but he still had 50 points. ... We were battling out there. We hung around, it's just a tough night."
Caris LeVert says the Pacers' win over the Pistons was a big one after the tough loss last night: "We knew we needed a much-needed victory tonight against a team that we felt like we let one go against about a month ago. This was a big night for us."
Rick Carlisle: "Road wins have been hard to come by. This one was earned and much-needed. ... Everyone kept everyone involved."