NBA ALL-STAR RISING STARS

February 18, 2022

Desmond Bane

Team Isiah

Press Conference

Team Barry 25, Team Isiah 20

Q. You're taking home your very own piece of hardware as a player from the All-Star Game, courtesy of one shot.

DESMOND BANE: Took me a little minute to get warmed up. Don't throw that in there. It's a great event. I think that it was cool, something to add a little different flavor to the Rising Stars Competition to the weekend. Glad I'm coming back with a little bit of hardware. Hopefully a little bit more for tomorrow.

Q. You obviously haven't played in this game before, but you know the format. How did you feel about it?

DESMOND BANE: I like it. I think playing to 50 points makes it a little more competitive. At first, I didn't really know what to expect. Just read off other guys, see how they were playing. The second game they were playing much harder. The money is on the line. It was cool for sure.

Q. What was it like to see all these other players that are kind of your peers? I assume they're saying good stuff about the Grizzlies.

DESMOND BANE: Everybody is excited about the Grizzlies. That's what I've taken away from this weekend so far. What we've been able to accomplish, and the way we play or the way we're together, it's not just us that feel that and see that; everybody sees that. It's good that we're getting that respect around the league, and people are appreciating our organization.

Q. Sometimes guys that are in the Saturday Night competitions are just kind of like, they want to get it over with. You're competing in the Three-Point Contest.

DESMOND BANE: Definitely. I'm staying here an extra day, so hopefully I leave with a little bit of hardware.

Q. You mentioned after the last game that you were out here to win in this game, and you were saving a little bit of energy for tomorrow. What's the mindset? How does it change going into today for tomorrow?

DESMOND BANE: I mean, I've put the work in. I've practiced a few times. I feel like I got a good little rhythm and routine, so now it's just about going out there and doing what I do.

Q. Desmond, how much are you looking forward to the second half of the season? You have Phoenix, Golden State and you guys right there. How much are you looking forward to it?

DESMOND BANE: It's exciting for sure. What we've done through the first half of the season is promising for sure, but it's a long season, and we know we still have some work to do, so we're definitely looking forward to it, and enjoying this time away from the game, but come next Wednesday, we're right back to it.

Q. Was this event everything you expected?

DESMOND BANE: Yeah, it was cool. The atmosphere was there. Obviously, being around all these guys that are up and coming stars, everybody is quality players. It's a good environment, good atmosphere, and a good event for sure.

Q. Ja is all over social media. He is pretty turned up tonight. Are you ready to join him?

DESMOND BANE: Can't wait. Can't wait.