Postgame Quotes/Notes - Storm 96, Minnesota 71
RELATED CONTENT | |||
| |||
TONIGHT'S NOTES | |||
|
|
|
BRIAN AGLER:
On
Katie Gearlds' performance:She was a great spark for us tonight. I would imagine she surprised them tonight. She’s got a great work ethic. She took advantage of her opportunity.
On the Storm's slow start:
The first couple of minutes looked like the first couple of games this year. We came out flat. I thought we had prepared pretty well, but it was as though we needed a wakeup call. Fortunately we had enough composure to stay with it and get back in the game. Our team responded.
On playing against New York's press:
We knew we were going to get pressed tonight, and New York really sold it hard during the second half. We coughed it up a couple times, but over the course of the game, we scored more than we turned it over. When people extend their defense against us, we really have to attack on the backside or you defeat the purpose of breaking the press.
On the Storm's home-court advantage:
I can say from being on the other side for many years that it is a tremendous atmosphere to play in, but not a comfortable atmosphere. The fans are loud, energetic and enthusiastic and our team feeds off that from the introductions all the way through. It is a contagious thing that develops through the course of the game.
On having a franchise-record 26 assists:
I told the team in the locker room how special and important it is to share the ball like that. 
Sue (Bird) is as good as there is at her position. We like it when the ball is in her hands and she’s making a lot of the decisions. She sees the floor, is unselfish and knows the strengths of her teammates. At the same time, if they don’t help towards her, she can score. It’s fun to watch her play.
|
On the game:
Our bench was amazing tonight. It was really good to see. We’re going to need them down the road. Katie and I joke with each other about three-point shooting percentage. The minute she caught the ball tonight, she was ready. We are good at passing. We keep our heads up and look for it.
|
LAUREN JACKSON:
On the game:
The bench’s play in the last quarter was just great. We know getting the next few wins is crucial. Sacramento is going to be a huge test for us.
On turning things around after a slow start:
We had to switch gears. I don’t know whether they thought we had it in us. We have a lot of smart players on our team. It’s just a matter of getting the defense going.
|
On her game:
I feel confident about where my shot is, though I haven’t shot particularly well all year. Tonight the shots went in. I felt like I had a good rhythm. People have questioned the bench as a whole, but tonight we brought great energy.
Tanisha (Wright) has been carrying us as a bench all year. Tonight we took advantage of the minutes he (Coach Agler) gave us.
|
DON ZIERDEN:
On the game:
We got out to a good start, but they're a veteran team. They've got Olympians, they've got Hall of Famers, they've got a great starting lineup so we knew they were going to get back in the game. You just tip your cap. Some nights you're going to get it handed to you and we did.
On whether fatigue was a factor in the outcome:
No, I don't think so. You've got to give all the credit to Seattle. They played hard and shot the ball extremely well. When you shoot 57 percent, you're going to win a lot of games.
On being unable to stop Jackson:
We're not the only team. She had 33 against New York and 34 against us. That's why she's the Most Valuable Player in the league. It's nice when you've got that kind of talent on the team. It's tough to defend.
On the road trip:
To go on this trip and split it, we'll take that.
|
SEIMONE AUGUSTUS:
On the game:
We wanted come out strong, but we knew they were going to make their run, but not like that. We thought they'd make their run and then we'd come back with our own, but they're a great team. They've got veteran players that understand situations and know how to stay poised in crucial situations. They did that, came out and adjusted to our defensive scheme and got it to their go-to player, Lauren Jackson.
On game slipped away:
After we came out at halftime and they went on their run, it gets you down, but at the same time you still have to fight. After (the lead) got up to 18 or 20 points, you know it was basically over after that.
On playing in Seattle:
It's one of the toughest arenas to play in besides Arco (Arena in Sacramento). Seattle is a very tough place to play.
