Karl-Anthony Towns Still Can’t Believe the Knicks Won | The Interview

I'm right next to him. I was going to I I'm right next to him. I was going to I was going to dunk it. I was going to was going to dunk it. I was going to was going to dunk it. I was going to dunk it in. dunk it in. dunk it in. >> I was going to dunk it. I I see an OG >> I was going to dunk it. I I see an OG >> I was going to dunk it. I I see an OG flying in the sky and I'm like, "All flying in the sky and I'm like, "All flying in the sky and I'm like, "All right, well, if he if he tries to tip right, well, if he if he tries to tip right, well, if he if he tries to tip the ball back in and goes off the front the ball back in and goes off the front the ball back in and goes off the front ring, I'm I'm going to dunk it back in. ring, I'm I'm going to dunk it back in. ring, I'm I'm going to dunk it back in. [music] How How >> you doing?" >> you doing?" >> you doing?" >> Thank you. I love you. >> Thank you. I love you. >> Thank you. I love you. I'm David Marquesy and today I'm talking I'm David Marquesy and today I'm talking I'm David Marquesy and today I'm talking to NBA champion Carl Anthony Towns. The to NBA champion Carl Anthony Towns. The to NBA champion Carl Anthony Towns. The 7- foot tall center for the New York 7- foot tall center for the New York 7- foot tall center for the New York Knicks helped the team secure its first Knicks helped the team secure its first Knicks helped the team secure its first title in 53 years. Lighting up the title in 53 years. Lighting up the title in 53 years. Lighting up the court, the city, and the country. court, the city, and the country. court, the city, and the country. [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] Towns, who also goes by Cat, grew up in Towns, who also goes by Cat, grew up in Towns, who also goes by Cat, grew up in New Jersey, so joining the Knicks in New Jersey, so joining the Knicks in New Jersey, so joining the Knicks in 2024 was something of a homecoming. His 2024 was something of a homecoming. His 2024 was something of a homecoming. His mother died of complications from COVID mother died of complications from COVID mother died of complications from COVID in 2020 and he has said her memory in 2020 and he has said her memory in 2020 and he has said her memory fueled him through this year's playoffs. fueled him through this year's playoffs. fueled him through this year's playoffs. >> My mom taught me really well how to uh >> My mom taught me really well how to uh >> My mom taught me really well how to uh be passionate about the game and and how be passionate about the game and and how be passionate about the game and and how to love playing the game at highest to love playing the game at highest to love playing the game at highest level. level. level. >> So, what's it like making New Yorkers >> So, what's it like making New Yorkers >> So, what's it like making New Yorkers the happiest they've been [cheering] >> Here's my conversation with Carl Anthony >> Here's my conversation with Carl Anthony Towns.

Towns. Towns. >> Carl Anthony, thank you for being here. >> Carl Anthony, thank you for being here. >> Carl Anthony, thank you for being here. >> I appreciate you having me. Um, you >> I appreciate you having me. Um, you >> I appreciate you having me. Um, you know, even just on the way into the know, even just on the way into the know, even just on the way into the studio, Yeah. studio, Yeah. studio, Yeah. >> there were people uh congratulating you, >> there were people uh congratulating you, >> there were people uh congratulating you, wanting to shake your hand. Yeah. And wanting to shake your hand. Yeah. And wanting to shake your hand. Yeah. And when I've been talking to Nick's fans, when I've been talking to Nick's fans, when I've been talking to Nick's fans, something people will say is, "I can't something people will say is, "I can't something people will say is, "I can't believe that happened." You know, almost believe that happened." You know, almost believe that happened." You know, almost like, "I still can't believe it." like, "I still can't believe it." like, "I still can't believe it." >> Well, I was going to say, how does it >> Well, I was going to say, how does it >> Well, I was going to say, how does it how does it feel to you now, like about how does it feel to you now, like about how does it feel to you now, like about a month after it happened? It still is u a month after it happened? It still is u a month after it happened? It still is u something hard to believe, you know, 53 something hard to believe, you know, 53 something hard to believe, you know, 53 years, me as a Knicks fan growing up, years, me as a Knicks fan growing up, years, me as a Knicks fan growing up, just seeing uh the Knicks not be able to just seeing uh the Knicks not be able to just seeing uh the Knicks not be able to win the championship and to uh be in a win the championship and to uh be in a win the championship and to uh be in a Knicks jersey and be the one to do it Knicks jersey and be the one to do it Knicks jersey and be the one to do it with the Knicks. Uh it's an honor. It's with the Knicks. Uh it's an honor. It's with the Knicks. Uh it's an honor. It's a blessing. I I still can't fathom that a blessing. I I still can't fathom that a blessing. I I still can't fathom that we've done it. And I keep now being we've done it. And I keep now being we've done it. And I keep now being hearing people call me champ and I'm hearing people call me champ and I'm hearing people call me champ and I'm like, I don't know why they keep calling like, I don't know why they keep calling like, I don't know why they keep calling me that, but uh it's something that I me that, but uh it's something that I me that, but uh it's something that I I've I've earned and it's something that I've I've earned and it's something that I've I've earned and it's something that we've earned and the city's earned. and we've earned and the city's earned. and we've earned and the city's earned. and the right to be calling ourselves the right to be calling ourselves the right to be calling ourselves champions. champions. champions. >> All right, I want to do some pure like >> All right, I want to do some pure like >> All right, I want to do some pure like relive the magic fan service with you relive the magic fan service with you relive the magic fan service with you right now. So, I think game four of the right now. So, I think game four of the right now. So, I think game four of the finals, finals, finals, >> okay, >> okay, >> okay, >> is the game that people are going to >> is the game that people are going to >> is the game that people are going to >> I don't know what happened that game.

>> I don't know what happened that game. >> I don't know what happened that game. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> No one knows what happened that game. >> No one knows what happened that game. >> No one knows what happened that game. Uh, but that's the game that people are Uh, but that's the game that people are Uh, but that's the game that people are going to be talking about years from going to be talking about years from going to be talking about years from now. now. now. >> And so, >> And so, >> And so, >> first half of that game, >> first half of that game, >> first half of that game, >> you guys are getting your butts kicked. >> you guys are getting your butts kicked. >> you guys are getting your butts kicked. You know, you're down You know, you're down You know, you're down >> I feel like that was all playoffs. It >> I feel like that was all playoffs. It >> I feel like that was all playoffs. It was the whole It was the whole finals. was the whole It was the whole finals. was the whole It was the whole finals. But but talk to me about what you were But but talk to me about what you were But but talk to me about what you were thinking and feeling, thinking and feeling, thinking and feeling, >> you know, like late in the first half >> you know, like late in the first half >> you know, like late in the first half when you're down almost 30. Like I I when you're down almost 30. Like I I when you're down almost 30. Like I I know you're gonna say, you know, we're know you're gonna say, you know, we're know you're gonna say, you know, we're just need to hit singles, stay in it. just need to hit singles, stay in it. just need to hit singles, stay in it. But there was there a moment where like, But there was there a moment where like, But there was there a moment where like, oh, this is just not our night or oh, this is just not our night or oh, this is just not our night or they're kicking our our butts tonight. they're kicking our our butts tonight. they're kicking our our butts tonight. >> I mean, I'll put the words for you cuz I >> I mean, I'll put the words for you cuz I >> I mean, I'll put the words for you cuz I know you don't want to say we was know you don't want to say we was know you don't want to say we was getting our ass kicked for sure. And um getting our ass kicked for sure. And um getting our ass kicked for sure. And um in doing that, you know, they're hitting in doing that, you know, they're hitting in doing that, you know, they're hitting shots. We're not hitting many shots. U shots. We're not hitting many shots. U shots. We're not hitting many shots. U they're executing at a higher level. We they're executing at a higher level. We they're executing at a higher level. We weren't. um they were bringing more weren't. um they were bringing more weren't. um they were bringing more physicality to the game than us and we physicality to the game than us and we physicality to the game than us and we weren't. So, we had to uh take our game weren't. So, we had to uh take our game weren't. So, we had to uh take our game to another level and amplify ourselves. to another level and amplify ourselves. to another level and amplify ourselves. And in the in the face of adversity, we And in the in the face of adversity, we And in the in the face of adversity, we found ourselves finding our best version found ourselves finding our best version found ourselves finding our best version in the second half. And um last year we in the second half. And um last year we in the second half. And um last year we had the same situation in Boston, game had the same situation in Boston, game had the same situation in Boston, game one and game two, and we found ourselves one and game two, and we found ourselves one and game two, and we found ourselves winning down 20 plus. And um you know, winning down 20 plus. And um you know, winning down 20 plus. And um you know, at halftime, I just told the guys and at halftime, I just told the guys and at halftime, I just told the guys and everyone, you know, we have experience everyone, you know, we have experience everyone, you know, we have experience coming back from these moments, coming back from these moments, coming back from these moments, especially in the playoffs. just trust especially in the playoffs. just trust especially in the playoffs. just trust our experience, trust each other, and if our experience, trust each other, and if our experience, trust each other, and if anything, let's go out there and and anything, let's go out there and and anything, let's go out there and and let's swing for the fences, you know, at let's swing for the fences, you know, at let's swing for the fences, you know, at least give ourselves a chance, you know, least give ourselves a chance, you know, least give ourselves a chance, you know, and and if not, at least we'll have a and and if not, at least we'll have a and and if not, at least we'll have a different standard walking into the next different standard walking into the next different standard walking into the next game. We build off of this game, get game. We build off of this game, get game. We build off of this game, get ready for game um, you know, for game uh ready for game um, you know, for game uh ready for game um, you know, for game uh five. But this team, man, they're five. But this team, man, they're five. But this team, man, they're special. Have no quit in them, and we

special. Have no quit in them, and we special. Have no quit in them, and we went out there in the second half, and went out there in the second half, and went out there in the second half, and we found a way to get the job done. And we found a way to get the job done. And we found a way to get the job done. And then when in the second half do you then when in the second half do you then when in the second half do you really think really think really think all right this this might happen? Is it all right this this might happen? Is it all right this this might happen? Is it is it you know I think it's early in the is it you know I think it's early in the is it you know I think it's early in the fourth you hit the three falling down. fourth you hit the three falling down. fourth you hit the three falling down. >> Oh yeah. Step back. >> Oh yeah. Step back. >> Oh yeah. Step back. >> Yeah. Yeah. But when did you really >> Yeah. Yeah. But when did you really >> Yeah. Yeah. But when did you really foul? Oh no I'm just playing with you. foul? Oh no I'm just playing with you. foul? Oh no I'm just playing with you. >> Yeah I know you were trying. Don't >> Yeah I know you were trying. Don't >> Yeah I know you were trying. Don't answer that. Don't answer that. Don't answer that. Don't answer that. Don't answer that. Don't answer that. Don't answer that. Um I thought we had a good answer that. Um I thought we had a good answer that. Um I thought we had a good chance of winning chance of winning chance of winning >> when I walked in the building. >> when I walked in the building. >> when I walked in the building. >> Oh felt I felt really good. [laughter] I >> Oh felt I felt really good. [laughter] I >> Oh felt I felt really good. [laughter] I told my wife, I told everybody, I felt told my wife, I told everybody, I felt told my wife, I told everybody, I felt really, really good about the game. Um, really, really good about the game. Um, really, really good about the game. Um, obviously, as the first half was going obviously, as the first half was going obviously, as the first half was going on, I was like, man, maybe I was wrong. on, I was like, man, maybe I was wrong. on, I was like, man, maybe I was wrong. First half didn't give me the best First half didn't give me the best First half didn't give me the best feelings, but, uh, second half, I think feelings, but, uh, second half, I think feelings, but, uh, second half, I think as soon as we got it into like that as soon as we got it into like that as soon as we got it into like that 15-point range, I felt really good about 15-point range, I felt really good about 15-point range, I felt really good about our team, uh, finding a way to win. our team, uh, finding a way to win. our team, uh, finding a way to win. >> And do you feel in that moment when >> And do you feel in that moment when >> And do you feel in that moment when you're starting to claw back and getting you're starting to claw back and getting you're starting to claw back and getting closer, do you feel the Spurs tightening closer, do you feel the Spurs tightening closer, do you feel the Spurs tightening up? Like what is your analysis of what's up? Like what is your analysis of what's up? Like what is your analysis of what's happening on the other side? I think I happening on the other side? I think I happening on the other side? I think I think sometimes when you're a young think sometimes when you're a young think sometimes when you're a young team, you you look to not lose the game team, you you look to not lose the game team, you you look to not lose the game and we were looking to win the game and and we were looking to win the game and and we were looking to win the game and that was what made us bring such an that was what made us bring such an that was what made us bring such an aggression to the game and um I think aggression to the game and um I think aggression to the game and um I think they were trying to protect the lead, they were trying to protect the lead, they were trying to protect the lead, you know, and um you know, if you looked you know, and um you know, if you looked you know, and um you know, if you looked at our playoff [clears throat] our at our playoff [clears throat] our at our playoff [clears throat] our playoff run, you seen us get a lead and playoff run, you seen us get a lead and playoff run, you seen us get a lead and instead of protecting the lead, we're instead of protecting the lead, we're instead of protecting the lead, we're trying to build the lead. I think there trying to build the lead. I think there trying to build the lead. I think there was also one stretch too where maybe was also one stretch too where maybe was also one stretch too where maybe they took something like nine they took something like nine they took something like nine three-pointers in a row and you feel three-pointers in a row and you feel three-pointers in a row and you feel like maybe a maybe a more mature team like maybe a maybe a more mature team like maybe a maybe a more mature team takes a different approach.

takes a different approach. takes a different approach. >> You know, it's so weird because when >> You know, it's so weird because when >> You know, it's so weird because when you're in the game, that's why a lot of you're in the game, that's why a lot of you're in the game, that's why a lot of times I know reporters hate when we say times I know reporters hate when we say times I know reporters hate when we say was I got to watch the game to like was I got to watch the game to like was I got to watch the game to like actually give you an honest answer on actually give you an honest answer on actually give you an honest answer on the situation you're asking, but cuz in the situation you're asking, but cuz in the situation you're asking, but cuz in the game I didn't realize and this is my the game I didn't realize and this is my the game I didn't realize and this is my first time hearing that they took nine first time hearing that they took nine first time hearing that they took nine threes at one point in the game. I mean, threes at one point in the game. I mean, threes at one point in the game. I mean, even it was six, seven, eight. We even it was six, seven, eight. We even it was six, seven, eight. We weren't aware of that because we're so weren't aware of that because we're so weren't aware of that because we're so locked into the game just trying to find locked into the game just trying to find locked into the game just trying to find a way to get a stop, go back down the a way to get a stop, go back down the a way to get a stop, go back down the court, and make a bucket. You're not court, and make a bucket. You're not court, and make a bucket. You're not really thinking about what type of shots really thinking about what type of shots really thinking about what type of shots they're shooting. You're just I just they're shooting. You're just I just they're shooting. You're just I just need to get a stop at all costs, need to get a stop at all costs, need to get a stop at all costs, whatever it takes. Um, whatever threes whatever it takes. Um, whatever threes whatever it takes. Um, whatever threes they hit, they hit two big threes. Uh, they hit, they hit two big threes. Uh, they hit, they hit two big threes. Uh, what De'Aran Fox hit leftwing three and what De'Aran Fox hit leftwing three and what De'Aran Fox hit leftwing three and then Victor hit a pull up two-pointer. then Victor hit a pull up two-pointer. then Victor hit a pull up two-pointer. Um they hit some shots at the end, but Um they hit some shots at the end, but Um they hit some shots at the end, but we did such a great job as a team just we did such a great job as a team just we did such a great job as a team just sticking with it, finding ways to make sticking with it, finding ways to make sticking with it, finding ways to make that one bucket, get that one stop. And that one bucket, get that one stop. And that one bucket, get that one stop. And of course, the right hand of God came of course, the right hand of God came of course, the right hand of God came through of OG getting the tip in. through of OG getting the tip in. through of OG getting the tip in. >> All right, you need to tell me about >> All right, you need to tell me about >> All right, you need to tell me about OG's play. What like where are you on OG's play. What like where are you on OG's play. What like where are you on the court? What is your sense of the court? What is your sense of the court? What is your sense of >> I'm right next to him. I was I was going >> I'm right next to him. I was I was going >> I'm right next to him. I was I was going to dunk it. I was going to dunk it in.

to dunk it. I was going to dunk it in. to dunk it. I was going to dunk it in. >> I [laughter] was going to dunk it. I I >> I [laughter] was going to dunk it. I I >> I [laughter] was going to dunk it. I I seen an OG flying in the sky and I'm seen an OG flying in the sky and I'm seen an OG flying in the sky and I'm like, "All right, well, if he if he like, "All right, well, if he if he like, "All right, well, if he if he tries to tip the ball back in and it tries to tip the ball back in and it tries to tip the ball back in and it doesn't um it goes long and it goes off doesn't um it goes long and it goes off doesn't um it goes long and it goes off the front rim, I'm I'm going to dunk it the front rim, I'm I'm going to dunk it the front rim, I'm I'm going to dunk it back in." OG made it. It was it was back in." OG made it. It was it was back in." OG made it. It was it was something special. You know, the play something special. You know, the play something special. You know, the play was the play was designed to go to me was the play was designed to go to me was the play was designed to go to me and then two people guarded me, and then two people guarded me, and then two people guarded me, inbounder and the person defending me. inbounder and the person defending me. inbounder and the person defending me. And we fin we got the ball to JB and JB And we fin we got the ball to JB and JB And we fin we got the ball to JB and JB took a quick uh pullup three and uh OG took a quick uh pullup three and uh OG took a quick uh pullup three and uh OG who was inbounding the ball found who was inbounding the ball found who was inbounding the ball found himself with uh no one on him and he himself with uh no one on him and he himself with uh no one on him and he crashed to the board and got offensive crashed to the board and got offensive crashed to the board and got offensive rebound which was the tip in and found a rebound which was the tip in and found a rebound which was the tip in and found a way to make the bucket. I mean it's way to make the bucket. I mean it's way to make the bucket. I mean it's going to go down as one of the greatest going to go down as one of the greatest going to go down as one of the greatest plays in New York history, one of the plays in New York history, one of the plays in New York history, one of the greatest plays in NBA Finals history. greatest plays in NBA Finals history. greatest plays in NBA Finals history. >> And then when you see that ball go >> And then when you see that ball go >> And then when you see that ball go through the hoop, through the hoop, through the hoop, >> what is the feeling that goes through >> what is the feeling that goes through >> what is the feeling that goes through your body at that moment? Or are you your body at that moment? Or are you your body at that moment? Or are you even having thoughts? even having thoughts? even having thoughts? >> No. But when you see me in the game, you >> No. But when you see me in the game, you >> No. But when you see me in the game, you see me telling everybody, "It's so see me telling everybody, "It's so see me telling everybody, "It's so loud." I didn't hear the whistle. So, I loud." I didn't hear the whistle. So, I loud." I didn't hear the whistle. So, I just see people running on the court. just see people running on the court. just see people running on the court. So, my first reaction is to tell So, my first reaction is to tell So, my first reaction is to tell everyone, "Get off the court right now." everyone, "Get off the court right now." everyone, "Get off the court right now." And like, "Let's like, let's stay And like, "Let's like, let's stay And like, "Let's like, let's stay focused on the game." But then I realize focused on the game." But then I realize focused on the game." But then I realize I look back and I see the ref grabbing I look back and I see the ref grabbing I look back and I see the ref grabbing the ball. And I'm like, "Oh, it's a the ball. And I'm like, "Oh, it's a the ball. And I'm like, "Oh, it's a timeout." I see OG and OG is very uh you timeout." I see OG and OG is very uh you timeout." I see OG and OG is very uh you know OG how he doesn't everyone this is know OG how he doesn't everyone this is know OG how he doesn't everyone this is New York Times. I mean, New York all New York Times. I mean, New York all New York Times. I mean, New York all knows how OG is. And um I just saw him knows how OG is. And um I just saw him knows how OG is. And um I just saw him and it was one of those things, you and it was one of those things, you and it was one of those things, you know, you want to hype him up and stuff, know, you want to hype him up and stuff, know, you want to hype him up and stuff, but I have such a close friendship with but I have such a close friendship with but I have such a close friendship with OG's, one of my best friends. I was I OG's, one of my best friends. I was I OG's, one of my best friends. I was I was like, "Nah, you go get a hug for was like, "Nah, you go get a hug for was like, "Nah, you go get a hug for this one. This is this is a career this one. This is this is a career this one. This is this is a career changing bucket for all of us at one changing bucket for all of us at one changing bucket for all of us at one time." And uh you know, and then he gave

time." And uh you know, and then he gave time." And uh you know, and then he gave us a chance. We still had to get a stop us a chance. We still had to get a stop us a chance. We still had to get a stop and he gave us a chance to get that and he gave us a chance to get that and he gave us a chance to get that stop. Um blessed and God is good to us. stop. Um blessed and God is good to us. stop. Um blessed and God is good to us. I was able to get a hand on the I was able to get a hand on the I was able to get a hand on the basketball too on the inbound inbound basketball too on the inbound inbound basketball too on the inbound inbound for Ste for for Castle. Did OG ever have for Ste for for Castle. Did OG ever have for Ste for for Castle. Did OG ever have more to say about that play in the more to say about that play in the more to say about that play in the locker room or was it Did [laughter] he locker room or was it Did [laughter] he locker room or was it Did [laughter] he do the same? do the same? do the same? >> No. OG went to the locker room, you >> No. OG went to the locker room, you >> No. OG went to the locker room, you know, he did the usual OG. Has no know, he did the usual OG. Has no know, he did the usual OG. Has no reaction, no emotion on his face reaction, no emotion on his face reaction, no emotion on his face whatsoever. And he was just like, "Yeah, whatsoever. And he was just like, "Yeah, whatsoever. And he was just like, "Yeah, I guess I made it. I guess [laughter] I guess I made it. I guess [laughter] I guess I made it. I guess [laughter] you know OG OG's too funny, man." you know OG OG's too funny, man." you know OG OG's too funny, man." >> Um, let me There's another moment from >> Um, let me There's another moment from >> Um, let me There's another moment from the series I want to ask you about. I the series I want to ask you about. I the series I want to ask you about. I think you had just scored against Webby think you had just scored against Webby think you had just scored against Webby and maybe it was a a timeout, a TV and maybe it was a a timeout, a TV and maybe it was a a timeout, a TV timeout and you're coming off the court timeout and you're coming off the court timeout and you're coming off the court and you know we're not supposed to curse and you know we're not supposed to curse and you know we're not supposed to curse here but I'm going to say but you the here but I'm going to say but you the here but I'm going to say but you the cameras caught you saying something like cameras caught you saying something like cameras caught you saying something like >> oh uh something like uh >> oh uh something like uh >> oh uh something like uh >> he can't uh fudge with me >> he can't uh fudge with me >> he can't uh fudge with me maybe what you said but in that like did maybe what you said but in that like did maybe what you said but in that like did you feel like you had um understood you feel like you had um understood you feel like you had um understood something about how to play against him something about how to play against him something about how to play against him or what like what was that in response?

or what like what was that in response? or what like what was that in response? I was just being competitive. That's all I was just being competitive. That's all I was just being competitive. That's all respect to the opponents and stuff. I respect to the opponents and stuff. I respect to the opponents and stuff. I just uh was being competitive and I have just uh was being competitive and I have just uh was being competitive and I have tremendous confidence in my ability and tremendous confidence in my ability and tremendous confidence in my ability and what I do and the work I put in. So, what I do and the work I put in. So, what I do and the work I put in. So, >> um >> um >> um >> you know, it was the moment. It's the >> you know, it was the moment. It's the >> you know, it was the moment. It's the NBA finals and you're on the biggest NBA finals and you're on the biggest NBA finals and you're on the biggest stage against one of the best players in stage against one of the best players in stage against one of the best players in the world and uh I wanted to prove again the world and uh I wanted to prove again the world and uh I wanted to prove again after all these years to prove again after all these years to prove again after all these years to prove again where I stand in the NBA. where I stand in the NBA. where I stand in the NBA. >> Yeah. Because you had to take it a >> Yeah. Because you had to take it a >> Yeah. Because you had to take it a little personally just as a competitor, little personally just as a competitor, little personally just as a competitor, right? to hear. right? to hear. right? to hear. >> No, I mean I just >> No, I mean I just >> No, I mean I just >> Well, to hear how much people are >> Well, to hear how much people are >> Well, to hear how much people are talking about WBY before talking about WBY before talking about WBY before >> I I don't I'm glad he deserves it. He's >> I I don't I'm glad he deserves it. He's >> I I don't I'm glad he deserves it. He's a generational player. He's uh 75, 74, a generational player. He's uh 75, 74, a generational player. He's uh 75, 74, whatever you want to say. He's extremely whatever you want to say. He's extremely whatever you want to say. He's extremely tall and he's and he's god gifted with tall and he's and he's god gifted with tall and he's and he's god gifted with intangibles that none of us were able to intangibles that none of us were able to intangibles that none of us were able to get. I mean, I'm 7 foot, thank God, but get. I mean, I'm 7 foot, thank God, but get. I mean, I'm 7 foot, thank God, but 7'4 would have been cool, too. And um he 7'4 would have been cool, too. And um he 7'4 would have been cool, too. And um he deserved it. But, you know, I I've I've deserved it. But, you know, I I've I've deserved it. But, you know, I I've I've earned my stripes in this league, too. earned my stripes in this league, too. earned my stripes in this league, too. And uh I'm a competitor and I wanted to And uh I'm a competitor and I wanted to And uh I'm a competitor and I wanted to go against I always say I want to go out go against I always say I want to go out go against I always say I want to go out there and play against the best and I there and play against the best and I there and play against the best and I was out there with one of the best and was out there with one of the best and was out there with one of the best and >> uh we just wanted to compete at a high >> uh we just wanted to compete at a high >> uh we just wanted to compete at a high level.

level. level. >> And when when you talk about being a >> And when when you talk about being a >> And when when you talk about being a competitor competitor competitor >> I think [clears throat] you're known for >> I think [clears throat] you're known for >> I think [clears throat] you're known for being a nice guy, sweet guy. Even just being a nice guy, sweet guy. Even just being a nice guy, sweet guy. Even just talking to you now like you know you talking to you now like you know you talking to you now like you know you smile easily. You have [laughter] a nice smile easily. You have [laughter] a nice smile easily. You have [laughter] a nice disposition. You're joking around you in disposition. You're joking around you in disposition. You're joking around you in in the uh in the green room. But I can in the uh in the green room. But I can in the uh in the green room. But I can imagine that being, you know, a imagine that being, you know, a imagine that being, you know, a professional basketball player, you professional basketball player, you professional basketball player, you know, sort of know, sort of know, sort of pushes you towards a kind of, you know, pushes you towards a kind of, you know, pushes you towards a kind of, you know, aggression or hardness. And is that aggression or hardness. And is that aggression or hardness. And is that something that something that something that >> came naturally or did you feel like you >> came naturally or did you feel like you >> came naturally or did you feel like you had to develop that side of who you had to develop that side of who you had to develop that side of who you were? were? were? >> I was definitely more aggressive and >> I was definitely more aggressive and >> I was definitely more aggressive and when I was younger. And when I was younger. And when I was younger. And >> when you were younger, you were more I I >> when you were younger, you were more I I >> when you were younger, you were more I I just had a mean streak to me cuz I just had a mean streak to me cuz I just had a mean streak to me cuz I understood what it was to uh be the understood what it was to uh be the understood what it was to uh be the young kid playing with the older kids young kid playing with the older kids young kid playing with the older kids playing basketball. there there's no playing basketball. there there's no playing basketball. there there's no respect given to the young kid, respect given to the young kid, respect given to the young kid, especially to the younger brother. So, especially to the younger brother. So, especially to the younger brother. So, uh I had to go earn it. And uh every day uh I had to go earn it. And uh every day uh I had to go earn it. And uh every day I learned how to earn it when I was, you I learned how to earn it when I was, you I learned how to earn it when I was, you know, 13 playing U16 basketball, U7 know, 13 playing U16 basketball, U7 know, 13 playing U16 basketball, U7 basketball. Um going out there and basketball. Um going out there and basketball. Um going out there and competing against the best of the best competing against the best of the best competing against the best of the best at age groups way higher than mine. And at age groups way higher than mine. And at age groups way higher than mine. And you know, [snorts] when you doing that, you know, [snorts] when you doing that, you know, [snorts] when you doing that, you understand, you know, you got to you understand, you know, you got to you understand, you know, you got to bring that kind of aggression to the bring that kind of aggression to the bring that kind of aggression to the game. Especially for me at the time, I game. Especially for me at the time, I game. Especially for me at the time, I wasn't physically mature yet to dominate wasn't physically mature yet to dominate wasn't physically mature yet to dominate or or out physicality these older older or or out physicality these older older or or out physicality these older older uh kids. So, you learn how to get crafty uh kids. So, you learn how to get crafty uh kids. So, you learn how to get crafty with it. You learn how to get a little with it. You learn how to get a little with it. You learn how to get a little finesse with the game. And then as I got finesse with the game. And then as I got finesse with the game. And then as I got older, I had the finesse. I learned the older, I had the finesse. I learned the older, I had the finesse. I learned the physical attributes, you know, to physical attributes, you know, to physical attributes, you know, to playing against older kids. I I actually playing against older kids. I I actually playing against older kids. I I actually got my, you know, my strength. I got my got my, you know, my strength. I got my got my, you know, my strength. I got my my my maturity going. So, um while doing

my my maturity going. So, um while doing my my maturity going. So, um while doing that, I also learned, you know, how to that, I also learned, you know, how to that, I also learned, you know, how to maintain it. My mom taught me really maintain it. My mom taught me really maintain it. My mom taught me really well how to uh take that aggression and well how to uh take that aggression and well how to uh take that aggression and and utilize it to my advantage and also and utilize it to my advantage and also and utilize it to my advantage and also be passionate about the game and and how be passionate about the game and and how be passionate about the game and and how to love playing the game at a highest to love playing the game at a highest to love playing the game at a highest level. level. level. >> You spoke very movingly. I think it was >> You spoke very movingly. I think it was >> You spoke very movingly. I think it was after game one, right, about your mom in after game one, right, about your mom in after game one, right, about your mom in an encore interview where, you know, you an encore interview where, you know, you an encore interview where, you know, you lost her during COVID and you talked lost her during COVID and you talked lost her during COVID and you talked about how, you know, she was kind of about how, you know, she was kind of about how, you know, she was kind of there with you and it it's there with you and it it's there with you and it it's >> it seemed clear that sort of this this >> it seemed clear that sort of this this >> it seemed clear that sort of this this idea that idea that idea that >> in a way you were playing for her Yeah. >> in a way you were playing for her Yeah. >> in a way you were playing for her Yeah. was motivating. Is is that actually what was motivating. Is is that actually what was motivating. Is is that actually what was going on? Like do you did you think was going on? Like do you did you think was going on? Like do you did you think during the playoffs like I I am here during the playoffs like I I am here during the playoffs like I I am here >> trying to sort of commemorate my mother >> trying to sort of commemorate my mother >> trying to sort of commemorate my mother in a way? in a way? in a way? >> Um >> Um >> Um >> like what were you thinking about in >> like what were you thinking about in >> like what were you thinking about in terms of terms of terms of >> For me for me I think about the finals >> For me for me I think about the finals >> For me for me I think about the finals and I say you know I I've dedicated my and I say you know I I've dedicated my and I say you know I I've dedicated my life to this game. I've I've dedicated life to this game. I've I've dedicated life to this game. I've I've dedicated my my my my my my my my my time with her and and precious time I time with her and and precious time I time with her and and precious time I could have been hanging out with her, could have been hanging out with her, could have been hanging out with her, enjoying life with her. I I spent it in enjoying life with her. I I spent it in enjoying life with her. I I spent it in the gym working on my game, working on the gym working on my game, working on the gym working on my game, working on my craft, playing basketball games. Um, my craft, playing basketball games. Um, my craft, playing basketball games. Um, you know, getting treatment on my body, you know, getting treatment on my body, you know, getting treatment on my body, getting ready for the next game, you getting ready for the next game, you getting ready for the next game, you know, mentally, not maybe always being know, mentally, not maybe always being know, mentally, not maybe always being 100% present cuz I'm thinking about that 100% present cuz I'm thinking about that 100% present cuz I'm thinking about that opponent. I'm thinking about that team opponent. I'm thinking about that team opponent. I'm thinking about that team that has coming up. We got that big game that has coming up. We got that big game that has coming up. We got that big game coming up. So, I've I've sacrificed so coming up. So, I've I've sacrificed so coming up. So, I've I've sacrificed so much for this game. Um, it would be a much for this game. Um, it would be a much for this game. Um, it would be a disservice to her if I didn't try to disservice to her if I didn't try to disservice to her if I didn't try to capitalize on this opportunity as much capitalize on this opportunity as much capitalize on this opportunity as much as possible. So, I wanted to make uh

as possible. So, I wanted to make uh as possible. So, I wanted to make uh make her proud and I wanted to uh make her proud and I wanted to uh make her proud and I wanted to uh maximize this opportunity because I've maximize this opportunity because I've maximize this opportunity because I've worked my whole life for it. worked my whole life for it. worked my whole life for it. >> And did you find yourself thinking about >> And did you find yourself thinking about >> And did you find yourself thinking about her at moments during the games? her at moments during the games? her at moments during the games? >> I mean, I think about her all the time. >> I mean, I think about her all the time. >> I mean, I think about her all the time. >> It's not just basketball. My life >> It's not just basketball. My life >> It's not just basketball. My life doesn't revolve around basketball. It's doesn't revolve around basketball. It's doesn't revolve around basketball. It's just my job. just my job. just my job. >> I still have a whole life outside that >> I still have a whole life outside that >> I still have a whole life outside that um revolves not around basketball. And um revolves not around basketball. And um revolves not around basketball. And uh I think about her with the basketball uh I think about her with the basketball uh I think about her with the basketball in hand and not. in hand and not. in hand and not. >> And who who after you guys won, who was >> And who who after you guys won, who was >> And who who after you guys won, who was most meaningful for you to celebrate most meaningful for you to celebrate most meaningful for you to celebrate with in terms of sort of remembering with in terms of sort of remembering with in terms of sort of remembering your mom and and having your mom and and having your mom and and having >> remembering my mom? Uh my wife. >> remembering my mom? Uh my wife. >> remembering my mom? Uh my wife. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You know, with being with Jordan, I >> You know, with being with Jordan, I >> You know, with being with Jordan, I think was great. You know, the next think was great. You know, the next think was great. You know, the next closest woman in my life was there and closest woman in my life was there and closest woman in my life was there and able to uh you know, celebrate that able to uh you know, celebrate that able to uh you know, celebrate that moment with me and seeing all the trials moment with me and seeing all the trials moment with me and seeing all the trials and tribulations it took to get there. and tribulations it took to get there. and tribulations it took to get there. you know, trading from Minnesota to New you know, trading from Minnesota to New you know, trading from Minnesota to New York, coming up short last year this York, coming up short last year this York, coming up short last year this year, all the rumors and everything, year, all the rumors and everything, year, all the rumors and everything, trade rumors and stuff, and then to trade rumors and stuff, and then to trade rumors and stuff, and then to still find yourself in the spot, winning still find yourself in the spot, winning still find yourself in the spot, winning the championship is uh, you know, the championship is uh, you know, the championship is uh, you know, testament to her love she's given me all testament to her love she's given me all testament to her love she's given me all and the support she's given me, and to and the support she's given me, and to and the support she's given me, and to my father as well, who has been with me my father as well, who has been with me my father as well, who has been with me every step of the journey since birth.

every step of the journey since birth. every step of the journey since birth. And, um, it was really special. I think And, um, it was really special. I think And, um, it was really special. I think the most meaningful the most meaningful the most meaningful one after I spoke on was Patrick Euing. one after I spoke on was Patrick Euing. one after I spoke on was Patrick Euing. just to see all that just to see all that just to see all that >> just all that years of misery and and >> just all that years of misery and and >> just all that years of misery and and and and it's just that exhale he had you and and it's just that exhale he had you and and it's just that exhale he had you know I could tell he just had the weight know I could tell he just had the weight know I could tell he just had the weight of the world on his shoulders and for of the world on his shoulders and for of the world on his shoulders and for finally for the first time he could like finally for the first time he could like finally for the first time he could like breathe and he could see the end goal breathe and he could see the end goal breathe and he could see the end goal for the Knicks. We had talked about this for the Knicks. We had talked about this for the Knicks. We had talked about this moment since I got here and um you know moment since I got here and um you know moment since I got here and um you know I've leaned on his experience, his I've leaned on his experience, his I've leaned on his experience, his wisdom and not only that he's been wisdom and not only that he's been wisdom and not only that he's been become a really really great friend of become a really really great friend of become a really really great friend of mine and someone I love to just pick up mine and someone I love to just pick up mine and someone I love to just pick up the phone and just talk with and and the phone and just talk with and and the phone and just talk with and and have a good time. And I know while he have a good time. And I know while he have a good time. And I know while he may have been disappointed that he was may have been disappointed that he was may have been disappointed that he was not the one in the jersey bringing it not the one in the jersey bringing it not the one in the jersey bringing it home, he is the Knicks culture. He is home, he is the Knicks culture. He is home, he is the Knicks culture. He is the Knicks team, you know, he's the most the Knicks team, you know, he's the most the Knicks team, you know, he's the most recognized Nick of all time. and for him recognized Nick of all time. and for him recognized Nick of all time. and for him to um especially in my life that I've to um especially in my life that I've to um especially in my life that I've been able to recognize and see. So um been able to recognize and see. So um been able to recognize and see. So um he's played against my dad too and and he's played against my dad too and and he's played against my dad too and and just to see that moment happened um and just to see that moment happened um and just to see that moment happened um and to see him finally get that moment to to see him finally get that moment to to see him finally get that moment to hold the trophy. I knew how much it hold the trophy. I knew how much it hold the trophy. I knew how much it actually meant to him on the side as actually meant to him on the side as actually meant to him on the side as well.

well. well. >> Yeah. What did what did you guys say to >> Yeah. What did what did you guys say to >> Yeah. What did what did you guys say to each other after you won? No, it just each other after you won? No, it just each other after you won? No, it just simply it was this was something that he simply it was this was something that he simply it was this was something that he needed to see in life and uh I'm just needed to see in life and uh I'm just needed to see in life and uh I'm just honored I was able to make it happen and honored I was able to make it happen and honored I was able to make it happen and help him uh help his team make it happen help him uh help his team make it happen help him uh help his team make it happen for him. And I think the the way that for him. And I think the the way that for him. And I think the the way that you know in press conferences and and you know in press conferences and and you know in press conferences and and you know in um on the court interviews you know in um on the court interviews you know in um on the court interviews after the game, the way that you're after the game, the way that you're after the game, the way that you're willing to show your emotion willing to show your emotion willing to show your emotion >> and and be vulnerable in those moments, >> and and be vulnerable in those moments, >> and and be vulnerable in those moments, be yourself and be yourself is is not be yourself and be yourself is is not be yourself and be yourself is is not something that um something that um something that um >> I don't know that it's something that we >> I don't know that it's something that we >> I don't know that it's something that we necessarily encourage in in professional necessarily encourage in in professional necessarily encourage in in professional athletes. Is that something that like athletes. Is that something that like athletes. Is that something that like you consciously decided you you consciously decided you you consciously decided you >> were going to be willing to put yourself >> were going to be willing to put yourself >> were going to be willing to put yourself out there in that way? out there in that way? out there in that way? >> You just can't be any other way. >> You just can't be any other way. >> You just can't be any other way. >> I just I'm just myself, not trying to be >> I just I'm just myself, not trying to be >> I just I'm just myself, not trying to be anybody. I'm just trying to answer the anybody. I'm just trying to answer the anybody. I'm just trying to answer the questions as honestly as I can. And and questions as honestly as I can. And and questions as honestly as I can. And and and in doing that, I'm just and in doing that, I'm just and in doing that, I'm just >> I guess my personality shows itself >> I guess my personality shows itself >> I guess my personality shows itself sometimes. And uh I'm not going to say sometimes. And uh I'm not going to say sometimes. And uh I'm not going to say sorry for any of it because that's how sorry for any of it because that's how sorry for any of it because that's how my mother raised me. She told me to be my mother raised me. She told me to be my mother raised me. She told me to be comfortable in my skin. I've always been comfortable in my skin. I've always been comfortable in my skin. I've always been comfortable in my skin and uh to never comfortable in my skin and uh to never comfortable in my skin and uh to never diminish my light and my value to uh um diminish my light and my value to uh um diminish my light and my value to uh um help other people's narratives and help other people's narratives and help other people's narratives and opinions uh get amplified.

opinions uh get amplified. opinions uh get amplified. >> Have you learned anything from Jordan >> Have you learned anything from Jordan >> Have you learned anything from Jordan Woods about how to be a public figure? Woods about how to be a public figure? Woods about how to be a public figure? Cuz you know, she's obviously an Cuz you know, she's obviously an Cuz you know, she's obviously an influencer, an actress. What What has influencer, an actress. What What has influencer, an actress. What What has >> It's weird. It's it's a it's it's I >> It's weird. It's it's a it's it's I >> It's weird. It's it's a it's it's I guess you could say a relationship in guess you could say a relationship in guess you could say a relationship in Hollywood hasn't lasted as long as ours Hollywood hasn't lasted as long as ours Hollywood hasn't lasted as long as ours like usual. It doesn't do it. That's like usual. It doesn't do it. That's like usual. It doesn't do it. That's just kind of not the norm. And then we just kind of not the norm. And then we just kind of not the norm. And then we found ourselves uh finding each other at found ourselves uh finding each other at found ourselves uh finding each other at the foundational level of just being the foundational level of just being the foundational level of just being friends for years. And um now we're friends for years. And um now we're friends for years. And um now we're here, wedding bells uh incoming soon. So here, wedding bells uh incoming soon. So here, wedding bells uh incoming soon. So um I just uh I think for her, she's just um I just uh I think for her, she's just um I just uh I think for her, she's just taught me so much about um taught me so much about um taught me so much about um about myself and and things I had to about myself and and things I had to about myself and and things I had to work on myself that I maybe I wasn't work on myself that I maybe I wasn't work on myself that I maybe I wasn't willing to work on or I didn't willing to work on or I didn't willing to work on or I didn't recognize. And she makes me better all recognize. And she makes me better all recognize. And she makes me better all around, you know, and and and also just around, you know, and and and also just around, you know, and and and also just made me better with patience as well. made me better with patience as well. made me better with patience as well. and her uh handbag of course became and her uh handbag of course became and her uh handbag of course became [laughter] sort of like a lucky charm [laughter] sort of like a lucky charm [laughter] sort of like a lucky charm for the team. for the team. for the team. >> Yeah, the one that won us the chip for >> Yeah, the one that won us the chip for >> Yeah, the one that won us the chip for show. show. show. >> Even I think it was at the Guggenheim >> Even I think it was at the Guggenheim >> Even I think it was at the Guggenheim for a while. for a while. for a while. >> It is. It's been at the Guggenheim. I >> It is. It's been at the Guggenheim. I >> It is. It's been at the Guggenheim. I still It's still there. still It's still there. still It's still there. >> Is it? >> Is it? >> Is it? >> It's still there. >> It's still there. >> It's still there. >> So, do you know where it's going to be >> So, do you know where it's going to be >> So, do you know where it's going to be in your house? Do you have a a in your house? Do you have a a in your house? Do you have a a >> Well, this week it'll be leaving the >> Well, this week it'll be leaving the >> Well, this week it'll be leaving the Guggenheim because it's going to Guggenheim because it's going to Guggenheim because it's going to Fanatics Festival, Michael Rubin and Fanatics Festival, Michael Rubin and Fanatics Festival, Michael Rubin and everybody. So, uh it's going to be everybody. So, uh it's going to be everybody. So, uh it's going to be really cool to have all the fans and New really cool to have all the fans and New really cool to have all the fans and New York fans be able to get close to the York fans be able to get close to the York fans be able to get close to the bag and see it in a sports environment.

bag and see it in a sports environment. bag and see it in a sports environment. Um, after that I think I think she needs Um, after that I think I think she needs Um, after that I think I think she needs to retire. It's a she. So yeah, the bag to retire. It's a she. So yeah, the bag to retire. It's a she. So yeah, the bag is a she. So I think she needs to is a she. So I think she needs to is a she. So I think she needs to retire. I think she needs to go to uh retire. I think she needs to go to uh retire. I think she needs to go to uh our house and just live it live its days our house and just live it live its days our house and just live it live its days with the sun in his face and just with the sun in his face and just with the sun in his face and just enjoying what it's been able to enjoying what it's been able to enjoying what it's been able to accomplish. accomplish. accomplish. >> I also want to ask some some questions >> I also want to ask some some questions >> I also want to ask some some questions about the kind of internal dynamics of about the kind of internal dynamics of about the kind of internal dynamics of of the team. Um, you know, one of the of the team. Um, you know, one of the of the team. Um, you know, one of the the big changes obviously between last the big changes obviously between last the big changes obviously between last year and this year was the coaching year and this year was the coaching year and this year was the coaching change and something that people pointed change and something that people pointed change and something that people pointed to in terms of like key differences to in terms of like key differences to in terms of like key differences between Tibs and Mike Brown is um, you between Tibs and Mike Brown is um, you between Tibs and Mike Brown is um, you know, certain flexibility or or like uh, know, certain flexibility or or like uh, know, certain flexibility or or like uh, Coach Brown's willingness to have back Coach Brown's willingness to have back Coach Brown's willingness to have back and forth with players or change and forth with players or change and forth with players or change dynamics. dynamics. dynamics. >> Yeah, the both the coaches did an >> Yeah, the both the coaches did an >> Yeah, the both the coaches did an amazing job. One took us to the Eastern amazing job. One took us to the Eastern amazing job. One took us to the Eastern Conference Finals and we just came up Conference Finals and we just came up Conference Finals and we just came up short. the other took the same team that short. the other took the same team that short. the other took the same team that Tibs did an amazing job with, was able Tibs did an amazing job with, was able Tibs did an amazing job with, was able to watch from afar and see what he could to watch from afar and see what he could to watch from afar and see what he could do from his coaching style, his do from his coaching style, his do from his coaching style, his personality traits to help us. Um, and personality traits to help us. Um, and personality traits to help us. Um, and we found a way to win a championship, we found a way to win a championship, we found a way to win a championship, but that's not a testament to Tibs not but that's not a testament to Tibs not but that's not a testament to Tibs not being the guy or um, Tibs not being good being the guy or um, Tibs not being good being the guy or um, Tibs not being good enough. He's always been good enough. He enough. He's always been good enough. He enough. He's always been good enough. He has a championship to show for as well.

has a championship to show for as well. has a championship to show for as well. Tibs is an amazing coach, an amazing guy Tibs is an amazing coach, an amazing guy Tibs is an amazing coach, an amazing guy person, too. And and to see his growth person, too. And and to see his growth person, too. And and to see his growth as a person from when I was with him in as a person from when I was with him in as a person from when I was with him in Minnesota to the when I got here to the Minnesota to the when I got here to the Minnesota to the when I got here to the Knicks has been amazing. and and it's Knicks has been amazing. and and it's Knicks has been amazing. and and it's made us u even closer and um man Tib made us u even closer and um man Tib made us u even closer and um man Tib Tibs gets a lot of credit for this man. Tibs gets a lot of credit for this man. Tibs gets a lot of credit for this man. >> But you know I'm not this I'm not trying >> But you know I'm not this I'm not trying >> But you know I'm not this I'm not trying to uh subtly you know throw shade on to uh subtly you know throw shade on to uh subtly you know throw shade on coach Tibs or anything but just like coach Tibs or anything but just like coach Tibs or anything but just like from your perspective what was the from your perspective what was the from your perspective what was the biggest change that coach Brown brought biggest change that coach Brown brought biggest change that coach Brown brought to the team to help you guys get to that to the team to help you guys get to that to the team to help you guys get to that next step. next step. next step. >> I mean he just he he he built off of >> I mean he just he he he built off of >> I mean he just he he he built off of what you know on an amazing foundation what you know on an amazing foundation what you know on an amazing foundation that Tibet had set and then he built off that Tibet had set and then he built off that Tibet had set and then he built off of that and added his own um his own of that and added his own um his own of that and added his own um his own swag and flavor to it. So, um, util, you swag and flavor to it. So, um, util, you swag and flavor to it. So, um, util, you know, I think he did a great job of of know, I think he did a great job of of know, I think he did a great job of of finding the right combinations that finding the right combinations that finding the right combinations that worked. You know, Landry Shamut was huge worked. You know, Landry Shamut was huge worked. You know, Landry Shamut was huge in the playoffs and shout out to Ariel in the playoffs and shout out to Ariel in the playoffs and shout out to Ariel Haporti, too, man. He had some big Haporti, too, man. He had some big Haporti, too, man. He had some big moments when we really, really needed moments when we really, really needed moments when we really, really needed him. And Mitchell Robinson and um, Jos him. And Mitchell Robinson and um, Jos him. And Mitchell Robinson and um, Jos Alvarado, you know, and you could go Alvarado, you know, and you could go Alvarado, you know, and you could go down the list. Muhammad Diawara, all down the list. Muhammad Diawara, all down the list. Muhammad Diawara, all these people had an amazing impact on these people had an amazing impact on these people had an amazing impact on the game, especially Tyler Kolic during the game, especially Tyler Kolic during the game, especially Tyler Kolic during the year when JB got hurt. Played some the year when JB got hurt. Played some the year when JB got hurt. Played some amazing basketball. So, I think Mike did amazing basketball. So, I think Mike did amazing basketball. So, I think Mike did a great job of just finding at the right a great job of just finding at the right a great job of just finding at the right time in the right place where he needed time in the right place where he needed time in the right place where he needed to put, you know, certain players into to put, you know, certain players into to put, you know, certain players into the game and not put them in the game.

the game and not put them in the game. the game and not put them in the game. Shout out to him. Um, amazing uh chess Shout out to him. Um, amazing uh chess Shout out to him. Um, amazing uh chess game he played. game he played. game he played. >> And and so in uh the first round of the >> And and so in uh the first round of the >> And and so in uh the first round of the playoffs, right, you're down 2-1 to the playoffs, right, you're down 2-1 to the playoffs, right, you're down 2-1 to the Hawks and then there is this it seems Hawks and then there is this it seems Hawks and then there is this it seems like there's this uh strategic decision like there's this uh strategic decision like there's this uh strategic decision made [clears throat] to change where made [clears throat] to change where made [clears throat] to change where sort of you're playing on the court to sort of you're playing on the court to sort of you're playing on the court to run more of the offense through you. run more of the offense through you. run more of the offense through you. You're sort of standing basically at the You're sort of standing basically at the You're sort of standing basically at the top of the the top of the key album. top of the the top of the key album. top of the the top of the key album. >> Top of the key hub. >> Top of the key hub. >> Top of the key hub. >> Um, and just talk to me about like from >> Um, and just talk to me about like from >> Um, and just talk to me about like from a from a strategic basketball a from a strategic basketball a from a strategic basketball perspective and then also from a Carl perspective and then also from a Carl perspective and then also from a Carl Anthony Town psychologically Anthony Town psychologically Anthony Town psychologically perspective, what was the importance of perspective, what was the importance of perspective, what was the importance of that change? Like what did it unlock? that change? Like what did it unlock? that change? Like what did it unlock? Uh, I mean for us as a team being the Uh, I mean for us as a team being the Uh, I mean for us as a team being the hub, it it drew out the, you know, their hub, it it drew out the, you know, their hub, it it drew out the, you know, their fiveman or their fourman and it and it fiveman or their fourman and it and it fiveman or their fourman and it and it put us in a great spot where the fourman put us in a great spot where the fourman put us in a great spot where the fourman if he was guarding me was guarding, you if he was guarding me was guarding, you if he was guarding me was guarding, you know, their fiveman would have to guard know, their fiveman would have to guard know, their fiveman would have to guard OG or Josh, which, you know, with that OG or Josh, which, you know, with that OG or Josh, which, you know, with that speed advantage and that and and that speed advantage and that and and that speed advantage and that and and that kind of advantage, I was able to utilize kind of advantage, I was able to utilize kind of advantage, I was able to utilize my passing ability to get guys easy my passing ability to get guys easy my passing ability to get guys easy buckets, easy passes, easy um, plays to buckets, easy passes, easy um, plays to buckets, easy passes, easy um, plays to be made. Whether if it was me getting an be made. Whether if it was me getting an be made. Whether if it was me getting an assist or me making the pass that led to assist or me making the pass that led to assist or me making the pass that led to the assist, you know, it was making it the assist, you know, it was making it the assist, you know, it was making it easier on our offense. It took so much easier on our offense. It took so much easier on our offense. It took so much pressure off of JB having to dribble pressure off of JB having to dribble pressure off of JB having to dribble dribble dribble and figure out like dribble dribble and figure out like dribble dribble and figure out like what's going to happen. So, and it put what's going to happen. So, and it put what's going to happen. So, and it put it made it easier for him to score, you it made it easier for him to score, you it made it easier for him to score, you know, less energy expended. It gave us know, less energy expended. It gave us know, less energy expended. It gave us more energy to do other things. And for more energy to do other things. And for more energy to do other things. And for me as a as a as a competitor, as a me as a as a as a competitor, as a me as a as a as a competitor, as a player, uh something I asked for all player, uh something I asked for all player, uh something I asked for all year, you know, and it was finally uh year, you know, and it was finally uh year, you know, and it was finally uh time to uh utilize that that talk. And time to uh utilize that that talk. And time to uh utilize that that talk. And um you know, my teammates trusted me,

um you know, my teammates trusted me, um you know, my teammates trusted me, Mike trusted me, the coaching staff Mike trusted me, the coaching staff Mike trusted me, the coaching staff trusted me, and a vital point of our uh trusted me, and a vital point of our uh trusted me, and a vital point of our uh of our season, probably the most vital of our season, probably the most vital of our season, probably the most vital point. And um I was I'm just glad I was point. And um I was I'm just glad I was point. And um I was I'm just glad I was able to repay their trust with some uh able to repay their trust with some uh able to repay their trust with some uh amazing games. amazing games. amazing games. >> So, you'd had that idea earlier in the >> So, you'd had that idea earlier in the >> So, you'd had that idea earlier in the season. season. season. >> I had I wanted to uh I wanted to >> I had I wanted to uh I wanted to >> I had I wanted to uh I wanted to maximize what we could do all year and maximize what we could do all year and maximize what we could do all year and uh we we've done a great job getting to uh we we've done a great job getting to uh we we've done a great job getting to the point and and finally pulling out the point and and finally pulling out the point and and finally pulling out our our chest, another chess piece of our our chest, another chess piece of our our chest, another chess piece of ours. And were there other players on ours. And were there other players on ours. And were there other players on other teams who you had seen do other teams who you had seen do other teams who you had seen do something similar? something similar? something similar? >> We've seen Jokic, right? They do Jokic a >> We've seen Jokic, right? They do Jokic a >> We've seen Jokic, right? They do Jokic a [clears throat] bunch and u you see uh [clears throat] bunch and u you see uh [clears throat] bunch and u you see uh Alpoon and Goon do it a bunch and the Alpoon and Goon do it a bunch and the Alpoon and Goon do it a bunch and the Monta Sabonis as well. So um you know it Monta Sabonis as well. So um you know it Monta Sabonis as well. So um you know it it it's a brand new team, new system. it it's a brand new team, new system. it it's a brand new team, new system. There's a bunch of things we want to try There's a bunch of things we want to try There's a bunch of things we want to try to learn throughout this the year, but to learn throughout this the year, but to learn throughout this the year, but in learning throughout the year, we were in learning throughout the year, we were in learning throughout the year, we were finding ourselves still winning. Does finding ourselves still winning. Does finding ourselves still winning. Does unlocking that feel like something that unlocking that feel like something that unlocking that feel like something that you're going to then bring into the you're going to then bring into the you're going to then bring into the upcoming season? upcoming season? upcoming season? >> We'll see. We'll see. The opponents will >> We'll see. We'll see. The opponents will >> We'll see. We'll see. The opponents will have to see. have to see. have to see. >> They have to figure it out. >> They have to figure it out. >> They have to figure it out. [clears throat and snorts] [clears throat and snorts] [clears throat and snorts] >> I mean, my [laughter] my advice would be >> I mean, my [laughter] my advice would be >> I mean, my [laughter] my advice would be do that.

do that. do that. >> It seemed like it worked pretty well. >> It seemed like it worked pretty well. >> It seemed like it worked pretty well. >> I think the way we did it this year >> I think the way we did it this year >> I think the way we did it this year worked as well. [laughter] >> Um, you know, there obviously as a as a >> Um, you know, there obviously as a as a professional player, you can only professional player, you can only professional player, you can only control what you can control. But you control what you can control. But you control what you can control. But you you did you had the experience in you did you had the experience in you did you had the experience in Minnesota of you know playing with the Minnesota of you know playing with the Minnesota of you know playing with the same team for you were there nine years. same team for you were there nine years. same team for you were there nine years. >> I was there nine years >> I was there nine years >> I was there nine years >> and then getting traded and I think you >> and then getting traded and I think you >> and then getting traded and I think you know lots of people know lots of people know lots of people >> in life you know they we can't >> in life you know they we can't >> in life you know they we can't necessarily control every aspect of our necessarily control every aspect of our necessarily control every aspect of our jobs but the but the idea of jobs but the but the idea of jobs but the but the idea of >> somebody just you know tapping you on >> somebody just you know tapping you on >> somebody just you know tapping you on the shoulder one day and saying hey the shoulder one day and saying hey the shoulder one day and saying hey you're you got to go work in some other you're you got to go work in some other you're you got to go work in some other city is not your choice. That's kind of city is not your choice. That's kind of city is not your choice. That's kind of a wild thing. I know. a wild thing. I know. a wild thing. I know. >> What is most challenging about that >> What is most challenging about that >> What is most challenging about that experience of just being waking up one experience of just being waking up one experience of just being waking up one day and having somebody say, "Hey, you day and having somebody say, "Hey, you day and having somebody say, "Hey, you don't work here, you work there." don't work here, you work there." don't work here, you work there." >> It's it's just kind of like your world >> It's it's just kind of like your world >> It's it's just kind of like your world changes, you know? It's not like an away changes, you know? It's not like an away changes, you know? It's not like an away game becomes a home game all of a game becomes a home game all of a game becomes a home game all of a sudden. And um sudden. And um sudden. And um >> I think personally just tough, you know, >> I think personally just tough, you know, >> I think personally just tough, you know, you're living a whole different you're living a whole different you're living a whole different lifestyle. You go from living in a big lifestyle. You go from living in a big lifestyle. You go from living in a big house and having, you know, six, seven, house and having, you know, six, seven, house and having, you know, six, seven, six years dedicated in that house, built six years dedicated in that house, built six years dedicated in that house, built a life there. you know, you know, every a life there. you know, you know, every a life there. you know, you know, every little thing is that, you know, this little thing is that, you know, this little thing is that, you know, this whole house like the back of your hand whole house like the back of your hand whole house like the back of your hand and all of a sudden you're getting and all of a sudden you're getting and all of a sudden you're getting traded and you're in an apartment, much traded and you're in an apartment, much traded and you're in an apartment, much less space. You know, got to adjust.

less space. You know, got to adjust. less space. You know, got to adjust. You're in a city now. You're not in the You're in a city now. You're not in the You're in a city now. You're not in the outskirts in in um in a suburban town, outskirts in in um in a suburban town, outskirts in in um in a suburban town, you know. So, it's it's totally you know. So, it's it's totally you know. So, it's it's totally different and a different way of living, different and a different way of living, different and a different way of living, too. But, uh this is the life we chose too. But, uh this is the life we chose too. But, uh this is the life we chose and there ain't no crying at all about and there ain't no crying at all about and there ain't no crying at all about it. I I'm super honored that I was able it. I I'm super honored that I was able it. I I'm super honored that I was able to uh to uh to uh you know, getting traded is it sucks. is you know, getting traded is it sucks. is you know, getting traded is it sucks. is never good. But um to get traded back never good. But um to get traded back never good. But um to get traded back home to a team I rooted for my whole home to a team I rooted for my whole home to a team I rooted for my whole entire life and when I was younger and entire life and when I was younger and entire life and when I was younger and for a team that uh gave my father his for a team that uh gave my father his for a team that uh gave my father his only chance in the NBA. I mean only chance in the NBA. I mean only chance in the NBA. I mean couldn't have went to a better situation couldn't have went to a better situation couldn't have went to a better situation for me and my family. So um it's a it's for me and my family. So um it's a it's for me and my family. So um it's a it's a big honor and um on top of that Jordan a big honor and um on top of that Jordan a big honor and um on top of that Jordan always wanted to live in New York and always wanted to live in New York and always wanted to live in New York and she loves New York before we got traded she loves New York before we got traded she loves New York before we got traded here. So uh the wife was happy, the here. So uh the wife was happy, the here. So uh the wife was happy, the family was happy, I was happy. It's a family was happy, I was happy. It's a family was happy, I was happy. It's a great situation. great situation. great situation. >> But so when you when you get the call >> But so when you when you get the call >> But so when you when you get the call that you're traded, what's that you're traded, what's that you're traded, what's >> I didn't get a call. >> I didn't get a call. >> I didn't get a call. >> Oh, you got told. >> Oh, you got told. >> Oh, you got told. >> You got told. So when you >> You got told. So when you >> You got told. So when you >> I got told >> I got told >> I got told >> So when [snorts] you get told that >> So when [snorts] you get told that >> So when [snorts] you get told that you're traded like what's the first call you're traded like what's the first call you're traded like what's the first call that you have to make? Are you like, that you have to make? Are you like, that you have to make? Are you like, "Oh, I got to call a mover." Do you "Oh, I got to call a mover." Do you "Oh, I got to call a mover." Do you think I got to call think I got to call think I got to call >> um >> um >> um >> my family? What's like the very first >> my family? What's like the very first >> my family? What's like the very first thing?

thing? thing? >> I remember having to call Jordan in >> I remember having to call Jordan in >> I remember having to call Jordan in Paris and she was having a good time and Paris and she was having a good time and Paris and she was having a good time and I said, "No, take me off speaker right I said, "No, take me off speaker right I said, "No, take me off speaker right now." now." now." >> Oh no. I I think that was uh one of the >> Oh no. I I think that was uh one of the >> Oh no. I I think that was uh one of the first calls I made. And then the second first calls I made. And then the second first calls I made. And then the second was uh I didn't have to call my dad. He was uh I didn't have to call my dad. He was uh I didn't have to call my dad. He was there. He heard the news as I heard was there. He heard the news as I heard was there. He heard the news as I heard it too. And he was shocked and I was it too. And he was shocked and I was it too. And he was shocked and I was shocked. And uh second was calling my shocked. And uh second was calling my shocked. And uh second was calling my agent and um having that, you know, agent and um having that, you know, agent and um having that, you know, conversation about what I was just told conversation about what I was just told conversation about what I was just told cuz even she didn't know at the time. So cuz even she didn't know at the time. So cuz even she didn't know at the time. So >> did uh Kevin Garnett talk to you after >> did uh Kevin Garnett talk to you after >> did uh Kevin Garnett talk to you after you were traded? you were traded? you were traded? >> I talked to KG all the time. That's my >> I talked to KG all the time. That's my >> I talked to KG all the time. That's my vet. That's my mentor. So vet. That's my mentor. So vet. That's my mentor. So >> uh we've been talked a bunch. >> uh we've been talked a bunch. >> uh we've been talked a bunch. >> Yeah. I interviewed him a few years ago. >> Yeah. I interviewed him a few years ago. >> Yeah. I interviewed him a few years ago. Yeah. Yeah. And just his intensity just Yeah. Yeah. And just his intensity just Yeah. Yeah. And just his intensity just in in in >> conversation Lord a lot or no [laughter] >> conversation Lord a lot or no [laughter] >> conversation Lord a lot or no [laughter] >> I heard some other words that I'm not >> I heard some other words that I'm not >> I heard some other words that I'm not allowed to say uh setting but um uh he allowed to say uh setting but um uh he allowed to say uh setting but um uh he was sort of a mentor to you. was sort of a mentor to you. was sort of a mentor to you. >> Yeah, he was. >> Yeah, he was. >> Yeah, he was. >> Yeah. What's some Can you talk about >> Yeah. What's some Can you talk about >> Yeah. What's some Can you talk about some of the advice that he some of the advice that he some of the advice that he >> Yeah, I mean just just >> Yeah, I mean just just >> Yeah, I mean just just >> in in familyfriendly language. >> in in familyfriendly language. >> in in familyfriendly language. >> Well, I can't speak that. [laughter] I'm >> Well, I can't speak that. [laughter] I'm >> Well, I can't speak that. [laughter] I'm just playing with you. Um, I just, you just playing with you. Um, I just, you just playing with you. Um, I just, you know, I I I think, you know, just know, I I I think, you know, just know, I I I think, you know, just >> I think he was so big about routine.

>> I think he was so big about routine. >> I think he was so big about routine. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And I was already huge about a routine. >> And I was already huge about a routine. >> And I was already huge about a routine. Like routine was everything to me. So me Like routine was everything to me. So me Like routine was everything to me. So me and him got along so well about that cuz and him got along so well about that cuz and him got along so well about that cuz our routines, you know, were were our routines, you know, were were our routines, you know, were were sinking with each other. Like coming in sinking with each other. Like coming in sinking with each other. Like coming in the lift, coming owning a sauna, getting the lift, coming owning a sauna, getting the lift, coming owning a sauna, getting a workout in on the court, you know, it a workout in on the court, you know, it a workout in on the court, you know, it it was kind of we were we were kind of it was kind of we were we were kind of it was kind of we were we were kind of like, you know, I was the young I was like, you know, I was the young I was like, you know, I was the young I was the young fella and he was my OG. He was the young fella and he was my OG. He was the young fella and he was my OG. He was my vet. So, I was just under his wing, my vet. So, I was just under his wing, my vet. So, I was just under his wing, just learning how he became a Hall of just learning how he became a Hall of just learning how he became a Hall of Famer, one of the best forwards of the Famer, one of the best forwards of the Famer, one of the best forwards of the game ever. And um taking those lessons game ever. And um taking those lessons game ever. And um taking those lessons and those teachings, especially the and those teachings, especially the and those teachings, especially the fundamental aspect that he was so big fundamental aspect that he was so big fundamental aspect that he was so big about um just taking that in my every about um just taking that in my every about um just taking that in my every not only in basketball, but my everyday not only in basketball, but my everyday not only in basketball, but my everyday life and just about, you know, getting life and just about, you know, getting life and just about, you know, getting the fundamentals right. the fundamentals right. the fundamentals right. >> He must have given you a hard time about >> He must have given you a hard time about >> He must have given you a hard time about defense though, right? defense though, right? defense though, right? >> I mean, I was guarding him well when >> I mean, I was guarding him well when >> I mean, I was guarding him well when [laughter] he was there. Um, [snorts] [laughter] he was there. Um, [snorts] [laughter] he was there. Um, [snorts] but he's just uh he's a competitor and but he's just uh he's a competitor and but he's just uh he's a competitor and you know me and him are are really you know me and him are are really you know me and him are are really fierce competitors. So, we don't like fierce competitors. So, we don't like fierce competitors. So, we don't like losing or even having giving opponents a losing or even having giving opponents a losing or even having giving opponents a chance to win. So, uh we had a bunch of chance to win. So, uh we had a bunch of chance to win. So, uh we had a bunch of fun in practices and just I guess you fun in practices and just I guess you fun in practices and just I guess you want to say talking smack to each other want to say talking smack to each other want to say talking smack to each other a lot. It was it was fun.

a lot. It was it was fun. a lot. It was it was fun. >> Wait, but but Carly Anthony, I want to >> Wait, but but Carly Anthony, I want to >> Wait, but but Carly Anthony, I want to say this with love. Okay, I'm saying say this with love. Okay, I'm saying say this with love. Okay, I'm saying this with love. Sometimes, and this is this with love. Sometimes, and this is this with love. Sometimes, and this is the reason I bring up the defense thing. the reason I bring up the defense thing. the reason I bring up the defense thing. Sometimes I'm watching you on defense Sometimes I'm watching you on defense Sometimes I'm watching you on defense and you do those like 30 foot away from and you do those like 30 foot away from and you do those like 30 foot away from the basket fouls. I think you're always the basket fouls. I think you're always the basket fouls. I think you're always like near the uh top of the uh league like near the uh top of the uh league like near the uh top of the uh league leader for fouls per game every year. leader for fouls per game every year. leader for fouls per game every year. >> That means I'm being physical. >> That means I'm being physical. >> That means I'm being physical. >> But is there And it's just so different >> But is there And it's just so different >> But is there And it's just so different than your offensive game, which to me than your offensive game, which to me than your offensive game, which to me always feels like so always feels like so always feels like so >> finessy. >> finessy. >> finessy. >> Finessy, controlled, precise. Um >> Finessy, controlled, precise. Um >> Finessy, controlled, precise. Um >> it's all it's all reaction. >> it's all it's all reaction. >> it's all it's all reaction. >> So explain explain to me the difference. >> So explain explain to me the difference. >> So explain explain to me the difference. >> I'm a jersey boy like Kyrie. It's all >> I'm a jersey boy like Kyrie. It's all >> I'm a jersey boy like Kyrie. It's all reaction. reaction. reaction. >> So, you're just swiping. >> So, you're just swiping. >> So, you're just swiping. >> I'm reacting a lot. Oh, and offense. >> I'm reacting a lot. Oh, and offense. >> I'm reacting a lot. Oh, and offense. >> On defense. On defense. >> On defense. On defense. >> On defense. On defense. >> Uh I mean, I'm getting a lot of steals. >> Uh I mean, I'm getting a lot of steals. >> Uh I mean, I'm getting a lot of steals. I get a lot for us. It gets a lot of I get a lot for us. It gets a lot of I get a lot for us. It gets a lot of defense. What were we in defense this defense. What were we in defense this defense. What were we in defense this year? Uh we were like a top three year? Uh we were like a top three year? Uh we were like a top three defense this year. defense this year. defense this year. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> There you go. And what's And what's And >> There you go. And what's And what's And >> There you go. And what's And what's And what's number number one thing done in what's number number one thing done in what's number number one thing done in in NBA right now? in NBA right now? in NBA right now? >> It's probably ISOs and what P&Rs, pick >> It's probably ISOs and what P&Rs, pick >> It's probably ISOs and what P&Rs, pick and rolls. So, I'm involved in all of and rolls. So, I'm involved in all of and rolls. So, I'm involved in all of them. So, them. So, them. So, >> we did pretty good pretty damn good job >> we did pretty good pretty damn good job >> we did pretty good pretty damn good job at it this year.

at it this year. at it this year. >> All right. All right. That's my That's >> All right. All right. That's my That's >> All right. All right. That's my That's my my one constructive criticism. Less my my one constructive criticism. Less my my one constructive criticism. Less reaching. reaching. reaching. >> Less reaching. >> Less reaching. >> Less reaching. >> Less reaching. >> Less reaching. >> Less reaching. >> No [laughter] one said that. >> No [laughter] one said that. >> No [laughter] one said that. >> You've never said it in the in the >> You've never said it in the in the >> You've never said it in the in the playoffs when we was working. playoffs when we was working. playoffs when we was working. >> Uh my my wife, she was watching a lot of >> Uh my my wife, she was watching a lot of >> Uh my my wife, she was watching a lot of the games with me and she said, the games with me and she said, the games with me and she said, >> uh she would watch you do interviews and >> uh she would watch you do interviews and >> uh she would watch you do interviews and then watch Jaylen Brunson do interviews. then watch Jaylen Brunson do interviews. then watch Jaylen Brunson do interviews. >> We're totally different. >> We're totally different. >> We're totally different. >> And she said, "Oh, [laughter] Jaylen's >> And she said, "Oh, [laughter] Jaylen's >> And she said, "Oh, [laughter] Jaylen's the dad of the team and Cat is like the the dad of the team and Cat is like the the dad of the team and Cat is like the mom of the team." mom of the team." mom of the team." >> Uh is that funny? Actually, that's >> Uh is that funny? Actually, that's >> Uh is that funny? Actually, that's actually pretty cool. I never heard of actually pretty cool. I never heard of actually pretty cool. I never heard of it like that. That's You're sort of more it like that. That's You're sort of more it like that. That's You're sort of more uh openly emotional, a little bit more uh openly emotional, a little bit more uh openly emotional, a little bit more expressive. He's kind of more, you know, expressive. He's kind of more, you know, expressive. He's kind of more, you know, button down. button down. button down. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I >> Is that how it plays out? >> Is that how it plays out? >> Is that how it plays out? >> That's funny. I've never heard of that. >> That's funny. I've never heard of that. >> That's funny. I've never heard of that. I've never heard of it like that. That's I've never heard of it like that. That's I've never heard of it like that. That's intriguing. I'm I'm going to say that to intriguing. I'm I'm going to say that to intriguing. I'm I'm going to say that to JB. That's actually pretty funny. JB. That's actually pretty funny. JB. That's actually pretty funny. >> Does that seem accurate? What do you >> Does that seem accurate? What do you >> Does that seem accurate? What do you think of that description? think of that description? think of that description? >> I don't think it's too far off. I don't >> I don't think it's too far off. I don't >> I don't think it's too far off. I don't think it's too far off. I mean, I think think it's too far off. I mean, I think think it's too far off. I mean, I think I think he he in a way, aren't we both I think he he in a way, aren't we both I think he he in a way, aren't we both like our parents in a way? I feel like like our parents in a way? I feel like like our parents in a way? I feel like he gives more of like Rick energy and I he gives more of like Rick energy and I he gives more of like Rick energy and I give more of like Jacqueline energy, you give more of like Jacqueline energy, you give more of like Jacqueline energy, you know, and that's beautiful. That shows know, and that's beautiful. That shows know, and that's beautiful. That shows great parenting, too, you know, and that great parenting, too, you know, and that great parenting, too, you know, and that shows uh our parents have gotten us to shows uh our parents have gotten us to shows uh our parents have gotten us to this point. So, shout out to, you know, this point. So, shout out to, you know, this point. So, shout out to, you know, Rick and and JB's mom and shout out to Rick and and JB's mom and shout out to Rick and and JB's mom and shout out to my mom and my dad for getting it done my mom and my dad for getting it done my mom and my dad for getting it done for us and and and leading us to be uh for us and and and leading us to be uh for us and and and leading us to be uh one men that people respect is the most one men that people respect is the most one men that people respect is the most important thing as a parent. You want to important thing as a parent. You want to important thing as a parent. You want to build care, you want to have kids that build care, you want to have kids that build care, you want to have kids that people respect more than anything. Um, people respect more than anything. Um, people respect more than anything. Um, and two, you know, um, giving us, I and two, you know, um, giving us, I and two, you know, um, giving us, I guess you could say, those personalities

guess you could say, those personalities guess you could say, those personalities has gotten us this far. has gotten us this far. has gotten us this far. >> And you, your dad coached you a little >> And you, your dad coached you a little >> And you, your dad coached you a little bit, right? He did. Was there ever any bit, right? He did. Was there ever any bit, right? He did. Was there ever any question? question? question? >> He was better than me. [laughter] >> He was better than me. [laughter] >> He was better than me. [laughter] >> Oh, my bad. My bad. My bad. >> Oh, my bad. My bad. My bad. >> Oh, my bad. My bad. My bad. >> We know the answer. >> We know the answer. >> We know the answer. >> Was there ever, >> Was there ever, >> Was there ever, >> he knows the answer. [laughter] >> he knows the answer. [laughter] >> he knows the answer. [laughter] >> Was there ever any question in your mind >> Was there ever any question in your mind >> Was there ever any question in your mind about whether you wanted to be a about whether you wanted to be a about whether you wanted to be a professional basketball player? Was that professional basketball player? Was that professional basketball player? Was that No. So, from as young as you could No. So, from as young as you could No. So, from as young as you could remember? remember? remember? >> No. I was I was really really good at >> No. I was I was really really good at >> No. I was I was really really good at basketball. It was natural. basketball. It was natural. basketball. It was natural. >> But is it what you wanted to do? >> But is it what you wanted to do? >> But is it what you wanted to do? >> No, I wanted to be MLB player. I want to >> No, I wanted to be MLB player. I want to >> No, I wanted to be MLB player. I want to play for the Yankees. I wanted to put play for the Yankees. I wanted to put play for the Yankees. I wanted to put the pinstripes on and uh the true the pinstripes on and uh the true the pinstripes on and uh the true Dominican in me. And uh I wanted to be Dominican in me. And uh I wanted to be Dominican in me. And uh I wanted to be like Robinson Canó. I wanted to be like like Robinson Canó. I wanted to be like like Robinson Canó. I wanted to be like uh Alex Rodriguez. I wanted to be like uh Alex Rodriguez. I wanted to be like uh Alex Rodriguez. I wanted to be like the great Yankees, you know, for me too, the great Yankees, you know, for me too, the great Yankees, you know, for me too, Albert Pool Halls and um these great Albert Pool Halls and um these great Albert Pool Halls and um these great Dominican players have come before me. Dominican players have come before me. Dominican players have come before me. And uh and I I just it just wasn't in my And uh and I I just it just wasn't in my And uh and I I just it just wasn't in my cards. At one point I made the last cards. At one point I made the last cards. At one point I made the last minute decision when I was really minute decision when I was really minute decision when I was really looking to take this professionally. Um looking to take this professionally. Um looking to take this professionally. Um I wanted to go back to basketball and uh I wanted to go back to basketball and uh I wanted to go back to basketball and uh I've been playing basketball my whole I've been playing basketball my whole I've been playing basketball my whole life and I went back to basketball and life and I went back to basketball and life and I went back to basketball and uh got back on the scene and um never uh got back on the scene and um never uh got back on the scene and um never looked back since.

looked back since. looked back since. >> And what was the inflection point there? >> And what was the inflection point there? >> And what was the inflection point there? Like why did you make the decision not Like why did you make the decision not Like why did you make the decision not baseball? baseball? baseball? >> Honestly, it was my childhood friends. >> Honestly, it was my childhood friends. >> Honestly, it was my childhood friends. >> Oh, >> Oh, >> Oh, >> it really was my childhood friends uh >> it really was my childhood friends uh >> it really was my childhood friends uh Vic Singh and Greg Davis um back from Vic Singh and Greg Davis um back from Vic Singh and Greg Davis um back from Piscataway. It just was like, "We miss Piscataway. It just was like, "We miss Piscataway. It just was like, "We miss playing with you, man. You haven't been playing with you, man. You haven't been playing with you, man. You haven't been around. You know, I know you're playing around. You know, I know you're playing around. You know, I know you're playing a bunch of AU baseball and travel a bunch of AU baseball and travel a bunch of AU baseball and travel baseball and stuff, and I know you said baseball and stuff, and I know you said baseball and stuff, and I know you said you quit basketball, but like you don't you quit basketball, but like you don't you quit basketball, but like you don't have to play like full-time." Like, and have to play like full-time." Like, and have to play like full-time." Like, and I'm always a person like I I get I'm always a person like I I get I'm always a person like I I get obsessive like if I do uh if I give my obsessive like if I do uh if I give my obsessive like if I do uh if I give my attention to something, I want to go attention to something, I want to go attention to something, I want to go 110% at it and be the best of the best 110% at it and be the best of the best 110% at it and be the best of the best at it. So, um, they asked me to do it at it. So, um, they asked me to do it at it. So, um, they asked me to do it and they kept, you know, we went to the and they kept, you know, we went to the and they kept, you know, we went to the park one day playing basketball in park one day playing basketball in park one day playing basketball in Jersey and, um, day park and Piscatoaway Jersey and, um, day park and Piscatoaway Jersey and, um, day park and Piscatoaway and I just was like, you know what, I do and I just was like, you know what, I do and I just was like, you know what, I do miss hanging out with y'all playing miss hanging out with y'all playing miss hanging out with y'all playing basketball a little bit. I'll come just basketball a little bit. I'll come just basketball a little bit. I'll come just to play one tournament and play. And so, to play one tournament and play. And so, to play one tournament and play. And so, uh, they brought me back to basketball uh, they brought me back to basketball uh, they brought me back to basketball and, uh, it's funny now that I, uh, Greg and, uh, it's funny now that I, uh, Greg and, uh, it's funny now that I, uh, Greg was with me on the court at, uh, at San was with me on the court at, uh, at San was with me on the court at, uh, at San Antonio after game five with the finals Antonio after game five with the finals Antonio after game five with the finals trophies and everything. And um Vic is trophies and everything. And um Vic is trophies and everything. And um Vic is still one of my closest friends like my still one of my closest friends like my still one of my closest friends like my those are like my brothers and um those are like my brothers and um those are like my brothers and um they've been to my games and it's really they've been to my games and it's really they've been to my games and it's really crazy that now they're seeing me in crazy that now they're seeing me in crazy that now they're seeing me in these NBA games and before I told them I these NBA games and before I told them I these NBA games and before I told them I never even wanted to touch basketball never even wanted to touch basketball never even wanted to touch basketball again.

again. again. >> And so when you do finally get to the >> And so when you do finally get to the >> And so when you do finally get to the league, league, league, >> is there is there a game or a moment or >> is there is there a game or a moment or >> is there is there a game or a moment or a play where you you really think I a play where you you really think I a play where you you really think I belong here? belong here? belong here? >> I'll tell you actually wasn't even in >> I'll tell you actually wasn't even in >> I'll tell you actually wasn't even in the league. I remember when I played uh the league. I remember when I played uh the league. I remember when I played uh before my freshman year, I played Team before my freshman year, I played Team before my freshman year, I played Team USA with Kobe and LeBron, a Dream Team USA with Kobe and LeBron, a Dream Team USA with Kobe and LeBron, a Dream Team V2. And uh I remember, you know, it was V2. And uh I remember, you know, it was V2. And uh I remember, you know, it was a big game and everyone was telling, you a big game and everyone was telling, you a big game and everyone was telling, you know, Dominican Republic versus Team know, Dominican Republic versus Team know, Dominican Republic versus Team USA. And I understood uh the situation USA. And I understood uh the situation USA. And I understood uh the situation and got myself a nice little super cut and got myself a nice little super cut and got myself a nice little super cut cut across the street before before cut across the street before before cut across the street before before going to Thomas and Mack. And uh I got going to Thomas and Mack. And uh I got going to Thomas and Mack. And uh I got the job done. And I I when I was out the job done. And I I when I was out the job done. And I I when I was out there, I felt like I could I I could I there, I felt like I could I I could I there, I felt like I could I I could I could be in the NBA. I I could belong. could be in the NBA. I I could belong. could be in the NBA. I I could belong. And I knew I had more years to go and I And I knew I had more years to go and I And I knew I had more years to go and I had to still grow um you know, as a had to still grow um you know, as a had to still grow um you know, as a player physically, mentally, but to player physically, mentally, but to player physically, mentally, but to already go out there and feel very already go out there and feel very already go out there and feel very confident and feel good about my game confident and feel good about my game confident and feel good about my game already there. And I said, man, the already there. And I said, man, the already there. And I said, man, the league's in trouble in a couple years league's in trouble in a couple years league's in trouble in a couple years when I like get even more figured out when I like get even more figured out when I like get even more figured out and right, I'm going to be I'm going to and right, I'm going to be I'm going to and right, I'm going to be I'm going to be a problem. And uh I damn sure it be a problem. And uh I damn sure it be a problem. And uh I damn sure it became a problem. [laughter] became a problem. [laughter] became a problem. [laughter] >> Let me ask you some some league >> Let me ask you some some league >> Let me ask you some some league questions. Okay. You know the East this questions. Okay. You know the East this questions. Okay. You know the East this year. Yeah. Right. The Giannis went to year. Yeah. Right. The Giannis went to year. Yeah. Right. The Giannis went to the Heat.

the Heat. the Heat. >> Kawawaii looks like he's going to go to >> Kawawaii looks like he's going to go to >> Kawawaii looks like he's going to go to the Raptors. I know it's a little up up the Raptors. I know it's a little up up the Raptors. I know it's a little up up in the air right now. Um Jaylen Brown in the air right now. Um Jaylen Brown in the air right now. Um Jaylen Brown went to the Sixers. went to the Sixers. went to the Sixers. >> Who [clears throat] are you most worried >> Who [clears throat] are you most worried >> Who [clears throat] are you most worried about? about? about? >> The Knicks. >> The Knicks. >> The Knicks. That's all I need to worry about. Do you That's all I need to worry about. Do you That's all I need to worry about. Do you get why Jaylen Brown is now on the get why Jaylen Brown is now on the get why Jaylen Brown is now on the Sixers of all the teams for him to end Sixers of all the teams for him to end Sixers of all the teams for him to end up on? The fact they trade him to like up on? The fact they trade him to like up on? The fact they trade him to like one of their biggest rivals. one of their biggest rivals. one of their biggest rivals. >> Pretty fun. >> Pretty fun. >> Pretty fun. >> It's It's pretty fun. I mean, uh, like I >> It's It's pretty fun. I mean, uh, like I >> It's It's pretty fun. I mean, uh, like I said, control the controllables. If I said, control the controllables. If I said, control the controllables. If I worried about all the uncontrollables in worried about all the uncontrollables in worried about all the uncontrollables in my life and professionally, I'd be lost my life and professionally, I'd be lost my life and professionally, I'd be lost in the sauce. in the sauce. in the sauce. >> Um, but of course, your buddy Mitch >> Um, but of course, your buddy Mitch >> Um, but of course, your buddy Mitch Robinson now on the on the Robinson now on the on the Robinson now on the on the >> That's tough. That was a tough one. >> That's tough. That was a tough one. >> That's tough. That was a tough one. >> The question I have about that, I have >> The question I have about that, I have >> The question I have about that, I have two questions about that. is could the I two questions about that. is could the I two questions about that. is could the I mean in in in good conscience mean in in in good conscience mean in in in good conscience >> could the team do Hakamich if you were >> could the team do Hakamich if you were >> could the team do Hakamich if you were playing the Celtics that'd be playing the Celtics that'd be playing the Celtics that'd be heartbreaking if you guys did that I heartbreaking if you guys did that I heartbreaking if you guys did that I don't know how that I don't even know if don't know how that I don't even know if don't know how that I don't even know if I could look at Mitch with a Celtics I could look at Mitch with a Celtics I could look at Mitch with a Celtics jersey on after everything so um jersey on after everything so um jersey on after everything so um I I don't even know I don't even know if I I don't even know I don't even know if I I don't even know I don't even know if I could I I I'll just have to start I could I I I'll just have to start I could I I I'll just have to start laughing at at Mitch when we see each laughing at at Mitch when we see each laughing at at Mitch when we see each other owes me a pickup truck now I'm other owes me a pickup truck now I'm other owes me a pickup truck now I'm talking about that for what talking about that for what talking about that for what >> I don't know I just want a pickup >> I don't know I just want a pickup >> I don't know I just want a pickup [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] You just say to him, "You owe me a You just say to him, "You owe me a You just say to him, "You owe me a pickup truck."

pickup truck." pickup truck." >> I just I just You owe me a pickup truck. >> I just I just You owe me a pickup truck. >> I just I just You owe me a pickup truck. >> Um but you know, watching him shoot free >> Um but you know, watching him shoot free >> Um but you know, watching him shoot free throws as a fan is the most like throws as a fan is the most like throws as a fan is the most like emotional roller coaster experience emotional roller coaster experience emotional roller coaster experience [laughter] because you just want [laughter] because you just want [laughter] because you just want >> emotional roller coaster watching a man >> emotional roller coaster watching a man >> emotional roller coaster watching a man shoot free throws. shoot free throws. shoot free throws. >> Oh, it is cuz you want him to succeed so >> Oh, it is cuz you want him to succeed so >> Oh, it is cuz you want him to succeed so badly. badly. badly. >> That's not like that's not like walking >> That's not like that's not like walking >> That's not like that's not like walking up to a woman at a bar and saying she up to a woman at a bar and saying she up to a woman at a bar and saying she all she could say worse is no. all she could say worse is no. all she could say worse is no. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> That's easier than watching >> That's easier than watching >> That's easier than watching free throw. But uh cuz you you know it's free throw. But uh cuz you you know it's free throw. But uh cuz you you know it's like you know he struggles like you know he struggles like you know he struggles >> she laughed at that. I like how you >> she laughed at that. I like how you >> she laughed at that. I like how you laughed at that too. [laughter] laughed at that too. [laughter] laughed at that too. [laughter] >> You know he struggles with the free >> You know he struggles with the free >> You know he struggles with the free throws. You want him to shoot them so throws. You want him to shoot them so throws. You want him to shoot them so well and then you know it it ends up well and then you know it it ends up well and then you know it it ends up still being a struggle. What is the still being a struggle. What is the still being a struggle. What is the experience for the for the teammates experience for the for the teammates experience for the for the teammates when you're watching Mitch go through when you're watching Mitch go through when you're watching Mitch go through >> Oh, we love it. We love going to see him >> Oh, we love it. We love going to see him >> Oh, we love it. We love going to see him shoot free throws. shoot free throws. shoot free throws. >> What do you love about it? >> What do you love about it? >> What do you love about it? >> Just one, it gets a foul. Puts us closer >> Just one, it gets a foul. Puts us closer >> Just one, it gets a foul. Puts us closer to the bonus. It gets closer for me and to the bonus. It gets closer for me and to the bonus. It gets closer for me and uh for all of us like whether it's me, uh for all of us like whether it's me, uh for all of us like whether it's me, Jaylen, anybody, we get closer, you Jaylen, anybody, we get closer, you Jaylen, anybody, we get closer, you know, getting that foul, getting to the know, getting that foul, getting to the know, getting that foul, getting to the free throw line. Two, every time you free throw line. Two, every time you free throw line. Two, every time you know it happens, you know, it gives us know it happens, you know, it gives us know it happens, you know, it gives us breaks. It gives us a break to kind of breaks. It gives us a break to kind of breaks. It gives us a break to kind of reset, think about what we want to do reset, think about what we want to do reset, think about what we want to do next. And three, we believe in Mitch.

next. And three, we believe in Mitch. next. And three, we believe in Mitch. Like I said, we believe everyone on that Like I said, we believe everyone on that Like I said, we believe everyone on that team 1 through 15. We know we we see team 1 through 15. We know we we see team 1 through 15. We know we we see each other get to put the work in and each other get to put the work in and each other get to put the work in and everything. So when he goes up there, everything. So when he goes up there, everything. So when he goes up there, we're excited cuz we can't wait to uh we're excited cuz we can't wait to uh we're excited cuz we can't wait to uh talk junk if when he makes it. So, um, talk junk if when he makes it. So, um, talk junk if when he makes it. So, um, we're always excited when we get to see we're always excited when we get to see we're always excited when we get to see Mitch go up there. Mitch go up there. Mitch go up there. >> And, you know, we're almost, uh, at the >> And, you know, we're almost, uh, at the >> And, you know, we're almost, uh, at the end of our time, but you, you know, when end of our time, but you, you know, when end of our time, but you, you know, when you leave the building, you're going to you leave the building, you're going to you leave the building, you're going to have the a similar experience. have the a similar experience. have the a similar experience. >> They know I'm here as when you when you >> They know I'm here as when you when you >> They know I'm here as when you when you came up. Can Can you just I mean to to came up. Can Can you just I mean to to came up. Can Can you just I mean to to just just be able to to like represent just just be able to to like represent just just be able to to like represent >> joy for people in the city of New York. >> joy for people in the city of New York. >> joy for people in the city of New York. Seems like such a a privilege. And it's Seems like such a a privilege. And it's Seems like such a a privilege. And it's going to it's going to be that way for going to it's going to be that way for going to it's going to be that way for the rest of your time on the Knicks. the rest of your time on the Knicks. the rest of your time on the Knicks. Probably for the rest of your life, Probably for the rest of your life, Probably for the rest of your life, it'll be for the rest of their life. it'll be for the rest of their life. it'll be for the rest of their life. Talk about what that means to you. Yeah, Talk about what that means to you. Yeah, Talk about what that means to you. Yeah, I I I talked about it after the game if I I I talked about it after the game if I I I talked about it after the game if we're talking about, you know, the we're talking about, you know, the we're talking about, you know, the impact of this win, you know, um you impact of this win, you know, um you impact of this win, you know, um you talking about I leave and everyone, you talking about I leave and everyone, you talking about I leave and everyone, you know, congratulates and says champ, the know, congratulates and says champ, the know, congratulates and says champ, the word champ, which is still crazy. We word champ, which is still crazy. We word champ, which is still crazy. We started this interview talking about how started this interview talking about how started this interview talking about how surreal it still is to have have a surreal it still is to have have a surreal it still is to have have a championship. championship. championship. um to bring so much joy to families. Um um to bring so much joy to families. Um um to bring so much joy to families. Um for them uh especially those families for them uh especially those families for them uh especially those families that have previous generations of Knicks that have previous generations of Knicks that have previous generations of Knicks fans who have been just begging for a fans who have been just begging for a fans who have been just begging for a chance to be in the NBA finals, let chance to be in the NBA finals, let chance to be in the NBA finals, let alone winning the NBA finals after 53 alone winning the NBA finals after 53 alone winning the NBA finals after 53 years and then last time being 27 years years and then last time being 27 years years and then last time being 27 years ago against the Spurs, too. Ironically, ago against the Spurs, too. Ironically, ago against the Spurs, too. Ironically, um I feel like a Love Island character um I feel like a Love Island character um I feel like a Love Island character getting back my phone after the playoffs getting back my phone after the playoffs getting back my phone after the playoffs and seeing these um these reels and and seeing these um these reels and and seeing these um these reels and these videos and these and these

these videos and these and these these videos and these and these Instagram posts about the the Instagram posts about the the Instagram posts about the the grandfather celebrating it with his grandfather celebrating it with his grandfather celebrating it with his son's kid and and passing that kind of son's kid and and passing that kind of son's kid and and passing that kind of Nicks fandom down to the kid or the Nicks fandom down to the kid or the Nicks fandom down to the kid or the father who grew up watching the father who grew up watching the father who grew up watching the disappointment of 1999 or families and disappointment of 1999 or families and disappointment of 1999 or families and those people who have uh those lost those people who have uh those lost those people who have uh those lost loved ones and and going to the cemetery loved ones and and going to the cemetery loved ones and and going to the cemetery to celebrate the Knicks win with them. to celebrate the Knicks win with them. to celebrate the Knicks win with them. And I know how special it is cuz I saw And I know how special it is cuz I saw And I know how special it is cuz I saw people in Brooklyn sharing and they got people in Brooklyn sharing and they got people in Brooklyn sharing and they got their own NBA team. So that's kind of their own NBA team. So that's kind of their own NBA team. So that's kind of that's kind of crazy to do. But it just that's kind of crazy to do. But it just that's kind of crazy to do. But it just shows, you know, New York's so unified shows, you know, New York's so unified shows, you know, New York's so unified with each other when you give them with each other when you give them with each other when you give them something to be unified for and for us something to be unified for and for us something to be unified for and for us to reach the mountain top and give so to reach the mountain top and give so to reach the mountain top and give so many people something to cheer for and many people something to cheer for and many people something to cheer for and so many people to have hope for cuz so many people to have hope for cuz so many people to have hope for cuz inspiring hope is is one of the hardest inspiring hope is is one of the hardest inspiring hope is is one of the hardest things to do and for us to be able to do things to do and for us to be able to do things to do and for us to be able to do that is is is something truly special. that is is is something truly special. that is is is something truly special. So just the last question. So the the So just the last question. So the the So just the last question. So the the margins in professional sports between margins in professional sports between margins in professional sports between winning and losing are very slim. winning and losing are very slim. winning and losing are very slim. >> So slim. You know, it's like >> So slim. You know, it's like >> So slim. You know, it's like >> one one small decision changes >> one one small decision changes >> one one small decision changes everything.

everything. everything. >> One small decision changes everything. >> One small decision changes everything. >> One small decision changes everything. Last year, you know, you guys are are up Last year, you know, you guys are are up Last year, you know, you guys are are up big against the Pacers in a fourth big against the Pacers in a fourth big against the Pacers in a fourth quarter. They they pull off a comeback quarter. They they pull off a comeback quarter. They they pull off a comeback against you. This year, OG tips it a against you. This year, OG tips it a against you. This year, OG tips it a shot that if he missed that 999 times shot that if he missed that 999 times shot that if he missed that 999 times out of a thousand. out of a thousand. out of a thousand. >> I am dunking that. I know you were >> I am dunking that. I know you were >> I am dunking that. I know you were saying he would have dunked it, but you saying he would have dunked it, but you saying he would have dunked it, but you know it's a know it's a know it's a >> I'm dunking. I'm telling you I'm dunking >> I'm dunking. I'm telling you I'm dunking >> I'm dunking. I'm telling you I'm dunking it in. it in. it in. >> But but it's you know no one would have >> But but it's you know no one would have >> But but it's you know no one would have blamed him if he missed that. That was blamed him if he missed that. That was blamed him if he missed that. That was an sort of a miraculous shot of course an sort of a miraculous shot of course an sort of a miraculous shot of course and and and then just the level of and and and then just the level of and and and then just the level of intensity and and focus that it takes intensity and and focus that it takes intensity and and focus that it takes and you know it it seems almost and you know it it seems almost and you know it it seems almost unbelievable that you can win once. unbelievable that you can win once. unbelievable that you can win once. Does it then seem even more daunting Does it then seem even more daunting Does it then seem even more daunting >> to have to have to think can we come >> to have to have to think can we come >> to have to have to think can we come back and win it again back to back? back and win it again back to back? back and win it again back to back? Well, my competitive spirit says, you Well, my competitive spirit says, you Well, my competitive spirit says, you know, that's what we're planning to do. know, that's what we're planning to do. know, that's what we're planning to do. And now, you know, I know we were always And now, you know, I know we were always And now, you know, I know we were always the underdogs in every series. We got to the underdogs in every series. We got to the underdogs in every series. We got to be ready to always be looked at as the be ready to always be looked at as the be ready to always be looked at as the favorites, and that's not something we favorites, and that's not something we favorites, and that's not something we uh we like a lot. So, we're going to uh we like a lot. So, we're going to uh we like a lot. So, we're going to have to go out there and then continue have to go out there and then continue have to go out there and then continue to have that underdog mentality, that to have that underdog mentality, that to have that underdog mentality, that mindset, mindset, mindset, and just we're going to have to be even and just we're going to have to be even and just we're going to have to be even a better version of ourselves. Even a better version of ourselves. Even a better version of ourselves. Even though a lot of y'all say we were one of though a lot of y'all say we were one of though a lot of y'all say we were one of the best ever in the playoffs, we got to the best ever in the playoffs, we got to the best ever in the playoffs, we got to find another level because people are find another level because people are find another level because people are going to be ready for us this year and going to be ready for us this year and going to be ready for us this year and they're not going to get caught slipping they're not going to get caught slipping they're not going to get caught slipping anymore. So, anymore. So, anymore. So, >> all right, I'm going to say it back to >> all right, I'm going to say it back to >> all right, I'm going to say it back to back.

back. back. >> We're going back. >> We're going back. >> We're going back. >> I I ain't going to say that. I'm going >> I I ain't going to say that. I'm going >> I I ain't going to say that. I'm going to say [laughter] we're going to do our to say [laughter] we're going to do our to say [laughter] we're going to do our best. best. best. >> All right. Thanks, Jam. >> All right. Thanks, Jam. >> All right. Thanks, Jam. >> Appreciate >> Appreciate >> Appreciate >> Appreciate it. >> Appreciate it. >> Appreciate it. I'm Lulu Garcia Navaro. I'm Lulu Garcia Navaro. I'm Lulu Garcia Navaro. >> And I'm David [music] Marquesy. >> And I'm David [music] Marquesy. >> And I'm David [music] Marquesy. >> And we're the hosts of the Interview, an >> And we're the hosts of the Interview, an >> And we're the hosts of the Interview, an audio and video podcast from the New audio and video podcast from the New audio and video podcast from the New York Times. York Times. York Times. >> Every week we interview fascinating and >> Every week we interview fascinating and >> Every week we interview fascinating and influential people from all walks of influential people from all walks of influential people from all walks of life. [music] life. [music] life. [music] >> Subscribe to our YouTube channel so >> Subscribe to our YouTube channel so >> Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you'll never miss an episode.