Mike Thibault Finals Quotations

It is a great experience. The two teams I coached on the men's side were some of the most exciting moments in my coaching life. Obviously winning NBA Championships and CBA Championships and being in the WNBA Finals are all highlights. But playing and coaching for your country in a gold medal game is pretty intense.

The fact that we were in the finals two years in a row is a great thing, ... We put ourselves in a tough position in this series losing Game 1 (69-65 at Mohegan Sun on Sept. 14). I think we're every bit as talented as Sacramento. But they made their breaks for themselves tonight. ... We have been here twice and now we have to figure out a way to get over the hump.

The fact that we're in the Finals two years in a row is a great thing, ... We put ourselves in a tough position in this series losing Game 1. I think we're every bit as talented as Sacramento. But they made their breaks for themselves tonight.

I like the finals format but I don't like the first two rounds. It's never going to be perfect until we get a best-of-five of the first round and get to play our first game at home. Historically, other than a few upsets over the years, the better teams have still won. But it's not a great scenario to go on the road your first playoff game.