NBA FINALS: CELTICS VS. WARRIORS

June 4, 2022

Otto Porter

Golden State Warriors

Practice Day

Q. First Finals game in the books. What was it like for you? I guess just looking back on it, the stage and everything that came with it.

OTTO PORTER JR.: It was everything that I dreamed of playing in the Finals. The atmosphere, the hype, the intensity of the game. For my first Finals, it was amazing despite the outcome. But it was everything I thought it would be.

Q. What's the vibe around the team and just overall mindset coming into Game 2?

OTTO PORTER JR.: Overall, Game 2 is a must-win for us, desperate. We know what we have to do. We've just got to get ready for it.

Q. Are there major adjustments you're making, or is it more just execution of what you want to do?

OTTO PORTER JR.: It's a little bit of both. At the same time, we've just got to come out with the same energy as they did.

Q. How big of a surprise was it for you guys? You guys have been 10-0 in the playoffs when you have a double-digit lead. To have a double-digit lead like that after three and to not close it out the way you have so many times?

OTTO PORTER JR.: It was a little bit of attention to details, and we kind of relaxed in that third quarter, but Game 2 will be different.

Q. When you say different you mean different from --

OTTO PORTER JR.: Intensity.

Q. So is it more attitude intensity or X's and O's after you guys looked at the film?

OTTO PORTER JR.: It's a little bit of both, but Game 2 is a must-win for us.

Q. What have sort of the veterans that have been here before, like Steph, Klay, Andre, Kevon, who have been on this stage, how have they led by example and getting you ready?

OTTO PORTER JR.: You talking about the Finals?

Q. Playoffs and Finals.

OTTO PORTER JR.: Playoffs is different. It's way different than regular season. The approach day to day to lead up to the game is super locked in, focused, and everybody's feeding off of that.

Q. Do you feel the adjustments that you make during the Finals, is that any different from adjustments you make during a playoff game?

OTTO PORTER JR.: Every game is different, so every game, teams are making adjustments, just like we are. For us, coming into Game 2, we've just got to go in desperate mode because it's a must-win. We have to win this game.

Q. Otto, you're a St. Louis guy. What did you know about Jayson Tatum and his dad growing up?

OTTO PORTER JR.: I knew a little bit about JT as he was getting older. I live outside of St. Louis, but I followed Brad [Beal] a lot growing up, and he told me at a young age that JT was going to be the next guy after him and just so skillful at his age, very young. His dad instilled that work ethic in him, and he became what he is today.

Q. It seems like you guys have a cool kind of basketball fraternity. What is it about that area that creates that?

OTTO PORTER JR.: Small area, we just know how to play the game. That's what it comes down to, how to play the game how it's supposed to be played.