Post-game chatter: Sixers-Celtics sound bites

Liberty Ballers staff writer Jackson Frank is in Las Vegas covering the Summer Sixers for a few days at Summer League. He was able to catch up with members of the team after yesterday’s loss to the Boston Celtics. Here are a slew of noteworthy quotes:

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Shake Milton

On his shooting struggles:

”Just keep fighting, man. I already know the type of shooter I am. I know I can knock down shots. I’m not gonna lose confidence in myself. I’m gonna put in work regardless because that’s what my teammates and coaches expect and that’s what they encourage me to do. So, that’s what I’m gonna keep doing. I’m gonna be all right.”

On his goals of Summer League:

”Coming in, I definitely just wanted to prove that I could do a little bit of everything, show my versatility and I think I’ve done that. Even though I haven’t really been able to knock down shots, I’ve still got people involved and I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job of running the team, so I’m trying to continue to do that but then [also] knock down shots.”

On Norvel Pelle:

”He makes my life 10 times easier. He makes me look good on defense and he makes me look good on offense. That’s my guy. I’m really happy for him for the two-way [contract]. He’s gonna continue to prove just what he can do.”

On what the Sixers want from him in Summer League:

”Just to prove that I can run the team, just to prove that I can be more of a versatile player and all-around player, defensively and knock down shots. Imma do that.”

On being backup point guard or shooting guard:

”I don’t really care. It’s basketball at the end of the day. As long as I’m on the floor, I’ll be happy.”

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Zhaire Smith

On playing back-to-back games:

“It can be [tough] but I used to do that all the time in AAU, so I’m used to it. And I go back-to-back with my workouts, so I might be a little tired but it’s all good.”

On how he feels physically:

”Feeling good, feeling 100%, is 100%, feeling good, moving up and down, playing some games.”

On playing next to Milton:

”I knew Shake when he was in college. He probably didn’t know me but I was always a fan of his game. It’s good playing with Shake.”

Photo by Allison Farrand/NBAE via Getty Images

Head coach Connor Johnson

On Matisse Thybulle:

”I think Matisse shooting the ball has been really encouraging. He looks good, he looks confident out there. It’s kind of a continuation from last time, like finding his footing, finding the way he can impact. But I’ve been really happy with him and to see him kinda have some success from a shooting aspect is just one more element that he brings to our team.”

On what he’s learned about Thybulle:

”The kinda knock on the zone defense thing is something to me that I don’t really even see anymore. He’s picked up things really quick, being the point-of-attack defender when someone’s coming at him and he’s in pick-and-roll. I thought he’s been great, blowing stuff up, getting through it, being aggressive and being physical. To me, that’s stood out and then it’s just kinda icing on the cake when he comes out and shoots 4 for 9 or whatever he just shot from 3. He also has a quick release. We studied him a ton before we got him. I don’t think I quite understood the level where he gets it off quick. He made a couple of tough catch-and-shoot shots. That’s promising.”

On Milton’s shooting struggles:

”Shake’s great and I think Shake’s got a mature head on his shoulders. Everyone has a couple tough games but he’s playing a new position, playing with a new group of guys, couldn’t be worried about him at all. I think he’ll bounce back and play nicely these next couple [games]. But I also think he’s done a good job leading our team, getting to the foul line, where, even if the shot’s not dropping, I think compared to how it might’ve been in the G League before, he’s showing some grit, he’s showing some determination and I love to see that.”