May 8, 2004 | Conseco Fieldhouse | Miami HEAT - 80 | Indiana Pacers - 91
HEAT Head Coach Stan Van Gundy
"It was another tough one. They really out played us again. The game was Reggie Miller. He really fought back. He's a guy who's done this over and over again. It's not a coincidence he hits big shot after big shot. There's nobody in the league right now who works harder on his shooting and game preparation than Reggie Miller. It's the same old problem. We competed. We worked hard inside and got more rebounds again. They just have so many weapons. It's tough. Indiana is a good group."
HEAT Forward Caron Butler
On his off shooting night:
"Even when I have an off night shooting, I've got to keep up my intensity in other areas and that's rebounding and playing tough defense."
On Ron Artest:
"He is a good player. He's very physical and the weight difference after a while can take a toll. He knows how to get into the lane and drive, so he can get to the line, being the physical player he is. It's tough working against him, so I have to concentrate on other things and in turn, I exerted a lot of energy. We just now have to bounce back at home."
HEAT Guard Dwyane Wade
On having two double digit losses:
"It's disheartening always just to lose, no matter how the game went or what the numbers show. They played well; they're playing with a lot of confidence. We've got to continue to play hard and hope things go our way back home. We've just got to make shots when we're getting open looks and we have to continue to defend."
On Ron Artest:
"It's a challenge, definitely a challenge. He's a great defender. He's very active, especially with his hands. He's always grabbing, poking and pulling the ball. That's why he's the Defensive Player of the Year."
On Reggie Miller's performance:
"He hit some big shots tonight for them. When he'd come off of the screens, we would have guys on him. Eddie Jones had a hand in his face on a lot of his shots; but he was still able to hit them. He's been doing that for a long time."
HEAT Guard Eddie Jones
On Reggie Miller:
"He made some big shots tonight. He's a great player. You can't give him any room or he'll kill you."
On his offense against the Pacers' defense:
"It's been hard. Every time I'm coming off of screens there are two guys waiting for me. When I get a chance to shoot the ball, I'll shoot it; but many times I'm not open so I've got to give it up."
On why they play better at home:
"Just like any other team, home court is huge. You feel more comfortable. We would like to come out and control the game from the beginning. More than anything, what we want to do is come away with a victory."
Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle
"I thought there were two keys to the game. One was our depth. Second, Jamaal Tinsley played as good a game as he's played all year. He had a lot to do with getting the ball to the right people."
On Miami:
"The score may not indicate it; but Miami is a tough team to play. We struggled in some ways and Miami had a lot to do with that. We have our work cut out for us in game three. They are as good a team as there is in the NBA at home."
On Reggie Miller:
"He's very capable and has a lot left in the tank. We're fortunate to have him on our team. Though he didn't play big minutes, he still scored 19 points in 18 minutes."
On Jermaine O'Neal:
"We're encouraged despite what some may call a sub par game because when he steps up it will be big for us. He's always aggressive, rebounding, defensive pressure and shot blocking. When he doesn't block the shot he alters it; there's no stat for that but it is key for us."
Pacers Forward Al Harrington
General:
"We know they will place their best foot forward and with their crowd and scrappy play it will be a hard game. They also have to consider keeping their win streak at home alive. Looking at all those factors, we will have to be ready, play hard, and be prepared to do what is necessary to win this next basketball game."
Pacers Forward/Center Jermaine O'Neal
On his shots not falling:
"I don't know why my shots aren't falling. I might be putting too much pressure on myself and causing me to lose part of my touch. I will continue to work on it and get it corrected so we can continue our run towards the Championship. We are all struggling somewhat with our shooting game; but we know we're better and will shoot better. We are a good road team and we know we'll play well in Miami. We know it will be tough because of Miami's crowd, Miami's basketball team and just their overall fight. We're a long way from a championship but these are the types of games you have to win to move on. We know Miami will not give up. We know the fatigue might build in. Our team has depth and so we can go deeper into a rotation which should help us."
Pacers Guard Reggie Miller
On going to Miami:
"They played well at home. Their crowd has been very enthusiastic; but this team (the Pacers) has played well on the road. Collectively we'll have to focus in and raise our level. We can play much better. I'm not happy yet with the way we've played."
On his shot to end the first half:
"I felt I could get Eddie Jones leaning one way, get a screen and get a good look and that's what happened."