Here is what they said after the Hawks’ 103-93 win over the Thunder Friday night:
Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer
Opening statement: "First, it's great to play in front of a crowd like that and have that atmosphere. It helps us in so many ways. They made a big run in the first quarter. We've had a lot of good starts and tonight wasn't one of them. They put us on our heels a little bit and we were able to grind through the next three quarters. We talk about playing for 48 minutes on both ends of the court. Eventually we found a few ways to get a few stops and a couple buckets. Guys coming off the bench and playing well. I thought Dennis (Schroder) was great. Obviously, Paul (Millsap) in the second half. Again, it's a team effort. Every night someone different can step up and play the way we want to play, unselfishly and really guard and defend."
On whether he is impressed with streak: "I'm happy for our guys to have success. It's a carry-over from the work on the court, the work in the film room, before and after practice. Our guys deserve to have an opportunity to do something. We just have to keep doing it. We have to keep working in practice. We have to keep doing all those things and keep our focus there. That's how we're going to get better. That's how we'll be at our best."
On how difficult it is to win 15 straight games: "We have a ton of respect for our opponents. This league is really, really difficult. I think we are kind of taking it each night and going out and trying to play and do the things we talk about. The teams in this league are very, very good. Every night you have to be prepared. There is a ton of respect for every night we have to play.
On getting over sloppy first half: "The first half we didn't take care of the ball very well. It led to buckets, especially that stretch there where we made a couple defensive mistakes and shifted too much. We turned it over and they scored 12 or 14 points like that. In general in the first half we didn't take care of the ball and we cleaned that up in the second half. Teams that are this athletic and this long, when they turn you over it can be quick with layups and dunks and 3's."
DeMarre Carroll
On difference in second half: "We weren't running our offense. We were looking for mismatches. You have to give them credit. They through a different lineup out there that really had us thinking. In the second half, we came out and played Hawks basketball."
On limiting Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook: "We just played our regular defense. Coach told me to take the challenge upon myself and get into him and stop him. I tried to do what I could."
Jeff Teague
On crowd: "It's a beautiful thing. I always said if you put a good product on the court, they will come out and support. That is what we are doing right now. They are coming out full-throttle.
Paul Millsap
On 15-game win streak: "It's a good accomplishment but it's just another win."
On his fourth-quarter: "I was a little more aggressive attacking the basket, trying to draw a few (defenders). They weren't helping as much. I was trying to get a few guys some shots. I was able to finish at the rim a few times."
Al Horford
On whether there is pressure with win streak: "Oh no. You can't have a burden winning. The way we look at it is, obviously, we are going to enjoy this win tonight. Minnesota is the next team on our list. That is what our focus is on. Honestly, no one talked about the streak before this game."
Kyle Kover
On streak: "You always say every game is its own game and every day is its own and we are just trying to get better. I've never been around a group that really just treats it like that. We just come to the gym and expect to work and try to get better. We are having a really good time. We are having a lot of fun. It's a joy to come to work. It's a great thing."
On difficulty winning 15 straight: "I don't know how many times it's happened. It's a hard thing. You can lose any night, no matter who you are. You can lose to anyone. It's all NBA teams, all NBA players. So many guys can get hot. It is a difficult thing."
Dennis Schroder
On confidence level: "The coaches are trusting in me. The players trust me. It's great. My confidence level is high right now. I just try to do the same thing when Jeff comes out. I try to lead the team, try to push the pace on offense and play defense."
Elton Brand
Does Korver's two-handed dunk mean he will settle bet: "No. That don't count. That is what we work on. Al (Horford) shoots corner 3's and Kyle dunks. That's what we work on. I'm not paying."
Kevin Durant
On Hawks: "They are a good team. They're second in the league in assists. They move the ball really well. Also, their home crowed has gotten better. I guess they've jumped on the bandwagon. The crowd was great tonight. They helped them out. We were up nine and they just started plugging away. They hit some big shots. They're a good team."
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