Shane Battier Quotations

We played a team (Tuesday) that really wasn't sharp in their execution, and if we can do that against the playoff teams, then we'll be a lot more excited.

They're really good here. They get out on the break, and they get the crowd involved. It's tough to beat them, and unfortunately we couldn't get it done here again this year.

We've put in a good body of work. It's time to take it to a higher gear.

Yeah, but we have eight more games to play.

Now we can enjoy this break and come back mentally refreshed. We have a very favorable schedule in the second half, so we're excited.

Every year is independent. What we did in the past doesn't come in our minds. Obviously, we like to taste a playoff victory this year, but it's not something we go to sleep at night dwelling on or lighting vigils for.

Every time somebody asks me about making the playoffs, I say you never take it for granted. We were the worst professional sports franchise in the country when we got here. We didn't have credibility or any momentum. Now, we feel we have credibility in the NBA. We're just searching for more by having success in the playoffs.

The (team) dynamic is less dynamic, less volatile than last year when it was up and down. Our veterans have brought calmness, a steadfast attitude where those guys say, 'Hey, stay with who we are.' This is the best I have ever felt about our team.

A wise man once said that the further you get away from the game, the easier the game becomes. That's probably the truest statement in professional sports.

The novelty isn't there. We have a team that's been assembled that's expected to compete for a playoff position. That's OK. It makes you have a workman-like attitude, and you go out and win games you're supposed to win. I'm very proud of this season.