Tuesday in NBA preseason the Wizards beat the Sixers 129-95. Sixers forward Nerlens Noel shot 4-of-8 for 13 points, five rebounds and three assists in the loss. Here’s what he said after the game:
On the game:
Nerlens Noel: “This game, I thought some of the guys still have to get more experience. [We have gone through practices] but games are a whole different thing. You got nerves, and some of these young guys just need to stay awake. I think we’ll be alright next game.”
On playing with Jahlil Okafor:
Noel: “It was so different in a great way. Jahlil brings such a presence. Last year, I was always going up against the five and having to do a lot. I think Jahlil brings a presence that is more at ease and the offense flows. It was really good.”
On his defense:
Noel: “I think I was a little timid to start out but I think I stayed with it. You know, it’s the NBA. Eighty two games, you stick with it, and you start getting back into your groove.”
On how it feels playing a little farther away from the basket:
Noel: “It felt fine. It felt good. I was getting the hang of it. I missed out on [Kris] Humphries and [Drew] Gooden a couple of times but you know I’ll make those adjustments in film tomorrow. I made sure I could come back and block shots like that a couple of times tonight and made sure I closed out on that three.”
On his position:
Noel: “I like where I’m at now, being a four-man and being able to guard guys that aren’t able to shoot the ball and still being able to freelance a little bit and help guys out on blocks.”
