“It was necessary. We had forgotten what it looked like. It's nice. » After four defeats in a row and seven in eight games, Ben Simmons speaks of the Nets' victory in Memphis as a relief. For Kevin Ollieit was a pleasure since it was his first as “head coach” on an NBA bench.
The Brooklyn players also celebrated with their new coach.
“Can we do it quickly? I'm soaked. They showered me, so I'm a little cold”, threw the coach laughs to the journalists. “It was a good moment in the locker room. They got me good. All the other coaches abandoned me. They stayed behind. I should have realized then that something was coming. »
A cold shower and the match ball
In addition to a good shower, a fleeting pleasure, Kevin Ollie left with the match ball, which was much more lasting. “Yes, I got the ball,” he confirms. “He'll go to my office to start.” I will clearly touch it, thinking of my mother and my sister who are in heaven. I know they are looking at me. »
And it is not the weakness of the opponent – Memphis is weighed down by injuries – which could take the smile off the coach's lips. Nor Cam Thomas' injury. Especially after a failed first match.
” It is special. There are 30 coaches in the league and he is part of that group. He has this first victory, it’s quite unique, and I hope he wins even more this season”announces Dennis Schroder. “But we have to move forward. We take advantage of it this Monday evening and tomorrow, we face a good team in Orlando. »