Post-match interview with Willie Green | Pelicans vs. Pistons 12/7/22
Pelicans head coach Willie Green
On what you’re proud of tonight:
“I’m extremely proud of our guys. We talked about them earlier here in the press conference, but they’re a tough team to play against. They played hard, they don’t give up, they rock the game, so to speak, and they are physical. So it’s a very good victory for us, despite their record, whatever it is. This is a team that when they come to your house you want to try and take care of business. At the end of the day, you respect the way they play and how well trained they are.
On Naji Marshall’s performance:
“Yeah, Naji was great. It’s part of what he does. If guys try to be physical, and I won’t say illegal but not the best game, he’s going to defend his teammates and that’s what we’re looking for. We cover each other. We’re not trying to hurt anyone’s feelings, but we’re not going to put up with people coming to our house or on the road and bringing us a physical level. We want to bring it to the teams. We all agree with Naji on that now. We want to make sure we maintain our
composure, but sometimes these things happen throughout the game. But, as far as Naji’s game is concerned, he played fantastic for us off the bench. Bounce the ball, keep guys, knock down shots. Huge night for him, and we needed every point and rebound he brought to us.”
Post-game interview with Zion Williamson | Pelicans vs. Pistons 12/7/22
Pelicans Striker Zion Williamson
On Naji Marshall’s appreciation of Zion’s defense:
“He’s my dog. That’s what great teammates do. That’s where you really know that special someone in your corner. He didn’t have to do this, but he did. just because he’s my brother. He’s a great person to have in my corner.
By not letting the excessive contact of tonight shake him:
“I grew up playing at a field called McLeod Park in Florence, South Carolina. All the adults there tell you that’s where the boys are delivered to the men. You don’t call fouls. You kind of just play, and I think that’s what allows me to get a lot of it and end up on the contact. If you called a foul there, you were labeled soft. Those experiences of my youth have really helped me keep a cool head until today.
Post-match interview with Naji Marshall | Pelicans vs Pistons 12/7/22
Pelicans Striker Naji Marshall
On the importance of defense tonight since the attack was not easy:
“We were just doing whatever it took really. We had a few offensive lulls, so we had to win defensively today. I want to scream the (Detroit) Pistons. They played a tough game and I’m just proud of my guys.
On her relationship with Sion and her decision to protect him tonight:
“I would do that for anyone. These guys are my brothers. I see them day after day. Just as I wouldn’t let anything happen to me, I wouldn’t let anything happen to them. If I was in another team, it would be the same for the other players. I’m just loyal.