Theo Maledon | Indiana Pacers Post-Game | Feb. 25, 2022
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00:00 questions. I know we got to go out and fight.
00:04 Uh, just your thoughts on the way that you all were able to grind this one out
00:13 as a team tonight is just back. Oh yeah, for sure. Uh, we didn't start where we
00:19 wanted, but I felt like, uh, through the 48 minutes we managed to smooth it out
00:25 and really like to take advantage and play with our strength. And uh, we are
00:32 like a last position that said it to O. T. But we can't walk a closure and
00:36 that was really big for us to manage to get the winner. Uh, on the back to back
00:42 like that. I wanted to ask you about the last play of the third quarter. You had
00:46 this great ball movement possession. You drive and you could get to windy for
00:50 three to beat the buzzer. Will you just take me through that play? And I don't
00:54 seem like you guys had a lot of execution plays like that. Yeah, I
00:58 think the player right before that we lost the ball at a bad possession and
01:04 because they went in trap shape and out of it again. Um, execute enough to
01:11 create a good opportunity. And on the last play they did it again. Um, hope
01:17 it was available and swing it like really quickly. And uh, who mean
01:22 advantage to be in a closed out situation. I knew that was like still
01:27 a little bit of time left. So I try to drove it to either get to the rim and
01:31 that's so the defense collides. And that's only the one open. Great shooter
01:36 for for sure. I was trying to pass it as quick as possible for him to get a
01:40 shot.
01:40 Coach gave the second you get a lot of credit for being able to help keep you
01:46 guys competitive throughout the game when you know, you know, throwing a lot
01:49 of punches, especially in that second quarter. What were you guys looking to
01:52 get into? What was kind of the emphasis for you to kind of get the offense
01:56 going? I think it started defensively. Just making sure that, uh, you know,
02:01 there's a great offensive team. They have a lot of talent. And so we risk
02:06 was trying to contain that. And uh, with that, just giving us rhythm to go on
02:11 the offensive and play freely, move the ball, play off the catch. And I think
02:17 those situations have helped us a lot to get back and take a lead like we did
02:21 in the second quarter. You guys second, have a back to back and game that goes
02:26 into overtime. You're under manned and you guys showed a lot of poise,
02:29 especially from the very outset when they went on that run to start the game
02:33 to the very end. Just what does that say about this group? Um, just really
02:37 hungry, really hungry group. Um, circus chances does not matter. I think we all
02:43 want to establish ourselves in this league and as a team. So all the things
02:49 that are outside the court when it comes to play, I think for all of us,
02:54 it does not matter. It's five men on the court for our team, five men on the
02:58 opposite team. We just got here and try to compete and do the best we can to
03:03 get to get it done. You played a big chunk of that fourth quarter with guys
03:09 like lady and the new Olympia guys you played with the blue before. Is it cool
03:16 to sort of be out there with those guys that you play that now with two
03:20 different levels coming up with the blue and now playing with the puck? Yeah,
03:24 for sure. For sure. Playing with Olivier for sure is fun. Been playing him when
03:29 I was 14 in France, back in France. So seeing him again is always fun. But
03:34 yeah, for sure. Seeing those guys in the Gili, working and competing in a
03:38 Gili and trying to show that we can contribute in the NBA and having this
03:44 opportunity for to have all of us there and show what we can do. I think it's
03:50 huge for us and really it was a great moment for us. What was your reaction
03:56 to Olivier Olivier getting a two way contract? I was really happy. He called
04:00 me like late, like a little bit before and I was like, hi, please stay on the
04:05 phone for like two hours. Just talking. It was really fun. I was really happy
04:08 for him. Really worked a lot and like he never gave up. He's still working,
04:13 still trying to prove everything. So just really happy for him and that he
04:18 got his opportunity to try to help him as much as possible. Just give his best
04:24 and see what the result is. Since you guys have known each other for a while,
04:34 what just what is he like? Hey, they're off the court as well. Really great
04:38 guy. Very smart. Really like to
04:42 uh, talk about a lot of stuff. Always trying to learn stuff. Reason really
04:47 just a great guy to be around. Great balls.
04:50 I will take zoom now. Tell we got Jerry Ramsey. Go with your question, Jerry
04:56 tail. It's noticeable the uh, the amount of confidence that you have on the
05:01 court right now. And what's kind of funny with all the rookies that are on
05:05 this team, you're you're sort of a veteran in a sort of way. Uh, do you
05:09 kind of let these guys know whenever they're going through tough times or
05:12 they're frustrated with themselves? Like it can turn around really quick and
05:16 kind of use yourself as an example. Um, yeah, for sure. Um, try to help as much
05:21 as possible. Obviously, the rookies are doing amazing. I mean, they all show
05:26 out, compete and do incredible stuff. Whatever their role is. But as soon as
05:32 I see something that I've been through and something that I know could help or
05:38 just instill confidence, I'll try to do it for sure.
05:41 And we got last question to crystal salt is going with your question.
05:47 Christos. Hey, great game. First of all, for you personally, what type of
05:52 confidence you get from after that game, after that win and after your
05:55 performance overall?
05:56 Um, I think it's every game is different. So it's just trying to
06:02 maintain the same composure. Um, seeing with the film, what went well, uh,
06:08 little things that I can correct. Um, but overall, just trying to maintain
06:12 the same approach, same rhythm, same mentality to the games and whether it
06:18 goes good or bad, just keeping the same mentality and keep it going.
06:21 Thank you. Thank you.
06:24 - Bye.
06:25 See you.