Postgame Quotes/Notes - Storm 64, Houston 63
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TONIGHT'S NOTES | |||
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BRIAN AGLER:
On the last play of the game:
The clock stopped at 3.4. They went and reviewed it and we came up with the ball with 0.8 seconds left. That's what they saw on the film. They gave us the ball back and end of the game.
On getting the ball to 
Swin Cash down the stretch:
I thought we got some good isolation opportunities for her and she happened to be the one person that seemed to be rolling at the time, so we kept feeding her the basketball and she converted - got to the free-throw line and obviously played big for us.
On the game:
We knew Houston was going to be tough. They're hungry; they're a veteran team, hungry for a win. They're going to win some games, as you can see. They're a good basketball team. I felt like we played real solid defense that kept us in the game. Made some plays late. Got to the free-throw line, which was good. You just try to stay in the game and let things play out.
On the high number of fouls and free throws:
We were called for a lot of fouls. Obviously, we can't complain because we shot 38 free throws. I just think it was a very aggressive game. We knew it was going to be a physical game and I think it played out that way. The officials tried to control it as much as they could, but around the basket it was just going to be real physical tonight.
On winning despite off nights from 
Lauren Jackson and 
Sheryl Swoopes:
I think we're real solid defensively. I think we're going to keep better at it, but I think that was the difference in the ballgame. But I also think this: Houston played a heck of a game. I think they played very well defensively. They did a great job on Lauren; they did a great job on Sheryl. They kept good pressure on us and it was very difficult to score.
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On leading the Storm in the fourth quarter:
It just kind of happened that way. I was just out there playing and there was a time when I thought I would try to assert myself, be a little more aggressive. Not necessarily on offense; just try to make stuff happen, energy plays. It just sort of worked out that way.
On adjusting to the officiating:
You never know. Sometimes the refs are going to let you play; sometimes they're going to call it tight. You have to adjust to how they're calling the game. I think we did a better job of that in the second half. I thought they rattled us with how aggressive they were being, pushing and shoving. We have to match peoples' intensity.
On Houston's hunger for a win:
Oh, yeah. We talked about it. This was a dangerous team. If you saw the way they played today, I wouldn't want to be the next team coming up against them for sure.
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KARLEEN THOMPSON:
On the game:
It was an exciting game. It was anybody’s game. Both teams fought hard and we’re going to hold our heads up and go try to get the next one. Our players did a very good job and played together as a team. I saw a lot of positives. We’re on our way. We’re going to get it right.
On controlling Jackson:
You have to pick your poison with them. It was either Lauren or 
Sue (Bird). We just didn’t want both of them to just go off on us. We were fortunate enough to hold Lauren, but Swin Cash stepped up big for them. They have a very good team. I’m just proud of the way our players played and they fought hard.
On the last play:
We went out there and when you have defense on you, it could change up the play. But we fought hard all the way through the game and that’s all that matters right now. We just have to get ready for the next one.
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TINA THOMPSON:
On the game:
You know, we just have to finish. We made some errors toward the end of the game, but we played a good 38 minutes so when we get it to 40 we’ll be okay.
On defending Jackson:
It was a team effort. I think we - myself and Mistie Williams - did play good individual defense, but it was definitely a team effort. Lauren is an exceptional player and you can’t allow her to be comfortable or get started. Once she gets started, it’s very, very hard to stop her. We started off very well defensively and we tried to continue to do that. The fact that we were containing her a bit was motivation to keep doing it because we knew if she ever got started it was going to be tough, especially with Sue playing so well.
On playing against Swoopes for the first time:
We didn’t come into this game looking to play against Sheryl. We were looking to play against the Storm and I guard Lauren. It was different seeing her in a different uniform. I’ve always said it’s a business first and Sheryl has to make the right decision for her and her family. She seems to be very happy here. I’m happy that she’s happy here. It’s a good thing. At the end of the day, it’s basketball, but you have to make the best decision for you and your family. I think she’s done that and has found a home here. They’ve accepted her and love her being here and that’s a good thing.
