Willie Green: Pelicans Key Points To Defeating The Hawks | Preseason Game 3

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green shared his thoughts on the preseason match against the Atlanta Hawks.

During Saturday's pregame press conference, New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green spoke about the upcoming preseason match against the Atlanta Hawks.

Key Points from Willie Green

The Importance of Taking Care of the Basketball

"When we didn't turn the ball over, we made simple plays. We got to the paint, made the perimeter passes, and guys took quality shots. And I think that's the message to our teams. You know, take care of the basketball."

Demoralizing Effects of Turnovers

"It's demoralizing to a degree. You turn the ball over, and teams going down, and they're scoring, and they're getting easy baskets. It's hard on your defense, hard on your offense."

Promising Young NBA Players

"We like what we see. Dyson is just he's coming in. He's he's sound defensively. He's making solid plays. We still got room for improvement, but you can see his growth in these two games. Hawkins is moving without the ball. He's catching and shooting things that we want him to do. So it's promising when you look at those two guys and what they're able to accomplish this early."

Pelicans Face Hawks, Seeking First Preseason Win

Mental and Physical Preparation for the NBA Season

"Sure. I think it's all good in terms of preparing you mentally and physically for what's to come during the NBA season."

Opponent's X-Factor

"Well, starting with Trae Young, his ability to stretch the floor. He makes them go with his shooting ability, his passing abilities, and picking roles."

Good Test for Us

"You know, when you watch them on video, they're playing well, playing together, and it'll be a good test for us."

Focus on Taking a Step in the Right Direction

"Yeah, it is. I mean, that's our focus. We need to take a step in the right direction."

New Orleans Pelicans (0-2) at Atlanta Hawks (2-0) for Preseason Game No. 3 at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, GA for a 2:30 PM (CT) tip-off on Oct. 14.

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