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Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers:
"It was a fine game, played tough on both ends of the court. We made good rotations, and I'm very happy for our defensive performance. We know they play like a team with Bargnani home, so I prepared my guys. And like Sam Mitchell, I had the same idea to keep the starters away from the court in the
last quarter. It was funny."
Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett:
"It was a great game after a great training camp during which we spent a lot of time each other, also off the court. We played good basketball on both ends of the court. It was extremely hard to play tonight. There was a great atmosphere in the arena, so it was a real game. Those are the reasons why I dove on the court to get the ball, and we played how our coach Doc Rivers wants us to play. We were very aggressive, and I left all my energy on the court."
Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce:
"I think it was very interesting. After working for a week together, we were anxious to see what we were able to do. We have to work on defense, adjust a lot of things. That will be the main goal, because on offense we have many weapons, we move the ball quickly. I think it's an easy adjustment to play with other stars like Kevin and
Ray, moving the ball quickly against the rotations. It will be easier for me to play with extra passes and less pressure on me."
Toronto Raptors head coach Sam Mitchell:
"It was the first preseason game, and we have to work on a lot of things, but it was not so bad, being the first. Since we will play tomorrow, we will try to improve many things in the next game. I have to say it was a normal pre-season performance. Chris [Bosh] and Andrea [Bargnani] played well, missing some things and doing others well, but I have to use all the guys to give a look to everybody, and give the team an opportunity. I benched Bargnani because I was afraid of injury, and because
we'll play tomorrow. I'm trying also to use different combinations of players on the court."
Toronto Raptors forward Andrea Bargnani:
"I played better than ever in Rome, but we lost the game, despite the fact that we had good minutes. We were rusty, and they are so strong that if you are not focused for the whole match, it is easy to lose."
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