Tristan Thompson Practice Interview | Celtics vs Nets

Tristan Thompson was interviewed following Celtics practice as they prepare for the Brooklyn Nets and game two. On how Boston can match the Nets “swagger”, Thompson said “Listen, if you have a team with Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, you better step on the court feeling good about yourself, but we don’t give a shit about that.

At the end of the day they put their shoes on one at a time just like us.”
On how the team can adjust for game two to come better prepared, Thompson said “Game 2 adjustments are just like a chess match… we can’t be stagnant with the ball and get into isolation.”

Thompson emphasized that the Celtics need to attack their mismatches on switches offensively. “When teams are switching there’s players out that they can take advantage of…”

TD Garden is expected to soon be at full capacity, and Thompson was asked what his thoughts were on having a full arena. “It finally feels like a basketball game,” Thompson admitted. “Thank God I didn’t play in the bubble, because I can’t play with no fans…I hope our governor can see how important having 75% fan base can be in the arena…that’s what makes Boston and TD Garden so special.”

On how the Celitcs can hold their ground against the Nets, Thompson said “It’s kind of like those Golden State teams…you can’t get caught up in the threes and then the crowd goes crazy…being mindful on offense and of course we can always get isolation three, but we got to try to get it into the paint…we want to get the ball popping and moving…if you can take their legs and Joe Harris misses a couple, it changes the whole course of tha game.”

Thompson was asked what it was like to join the Celtics, and what he’s felt so far in his time here. “It’s like history, pride…being a part of that is definitely an honor,” said Thompson. “Always loved playing in the Garden…that was a big reason why I wanted to be a part of this team…we just need some fucking fans in the arena, that’s what we need.”