Washington Wizards coach Scott Brooks says late-game defense earned victory over New York Knicks at The O2
Friday 18 January 2019 02:27, UK
Washington Wizards coach Scott Brooks said his team's fourth-quarter defense earned their victory over the New York Knicks at The O2.
Speaking after the Wizards fought back from a 16-point deficit to record a 101-100 win, a triumph sealed by a goal-tending call on Knicks defender Allonzo Trier as he blocked Thomas Bryant's shot with 0.4 seconds left in the game that gave them a decisive one-point lead, Brooks hailed Washington's defensive effort that limited the Knicks to a meagre 11 points in the final quarter.
"We wanted to be aggressive," said the Wizards coach. "I thought we could get stops, especially in that fourth quarter. We had more stops in that quarter than we've had all year! It was good to see us competing on the defensive end. We didn't give them any easy looks."
"[Trier's block] was an obvious goal-tend," said Brooks. "On that last play, we knew that Brad [Beal] was going to get open, Thomas [Bryant] did such a good job of setting the pick, and we knew they would double-team. Brad made a good play. Thomas rolled to the basket. He has been a great finisher all year. Give him credit."
"What a finish. It's one of those games where no one deserves to go on that long flight home without a win but it happens. It's sport and you've got to deal with it. We were in a tough position in our last games against Toronto. It was nice to get one to fall for us."
Knicks coach David Fizdale had no complaints about the goal-tending call that condemned his team to a fifth successive defeat, blaming a defensive lapse that allowed Bryant a path to the basket.
Asked if he saw the goal-tending play the same way as the officials, Fizdale said: "Yes. From my angle, I was peeking over [the official's] shoulder. [The ball] just started on its tickdown. We had a break down in coverage. It was supposed to be a switch and we didn't switch and we paid for it.
"Offensively the ball died because their switching really got to us. They did a heck of a job of getting after us and getting the ball to stop. Defensively, little mistakes really hurt us in coverage at the wrong time. Another learning lesson that's part of the game. Give [the Wizards] credit, they did a really good job in the second half."
Both coaches were effusive in their praise for the welcome they received at The O2 and the warmth with which they have been received in London throughout the week.
"I'd like to thank the fans and the people here in London for being such awesome hosts," said Fizdale. "Everything was first class."
"It's been a great few days," said Brooks. "What an amazing city, just the friendly disposition of everyone involved in the game. It was nice for us to get the win."
Washington's victory improves their record to 19-26 and they are now just one-and-a-half games adrift of the Charlotte Hornets who occupy the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff place.
But Brooks eschewed any talk of reaching the postseason after the game.
"We focus on the next game," he said. "You can't focus on playoffs until you get close to .500 or so. Every game is a big game.
"We're competing defensively. Tonight was key to how we have to play. If the offense is not 'on', you've still got to figure out a way to win. Normally, that comes on the defensive end and we did that in the fourth quarter.
