I played in Joe Louis in a playoff game. I played there when the roof caved in for half a season. The facility is great for basketball because it goes straight up, so you feel like the fans are on top of you.
I thought we were aggressive across the board defensively, and you could just see it grow. As the game went along, you could see the confidence grow. It showed in the fourth quarter.
It's not tough at all as long as the fans are yelling, screaming and hollering.
That's how we like to play basketball, is be physical down there in the paint and force teams to the perimeter.
The Finals are about a test of wills.
The players have to come and play. Today we did.
There was nothing magical that the coaching staff did. This is about the players.
They scored 26 points in three quarters. That's solid defense.
We came in today with a chip on our shoulder to prove who we are.
We joke around a lot with our ballclub.
We were able to get after the rebounds. We were able to control the paint. We were able to be physical down there.
What I've talked about the entire series and throughout this playoffs is about intensity and effort, desire and will of our players.
What's the difference between tough love and acting like a jerk?
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