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[QUOTE="Red Holzman, post: 3719543, member: 7255"]
From Marc Berman's NY Post article after today's W:

“[I]He keeps us mentally sharp, prepared,’’ Randle said. “He’s obviously great with his game plans but his intensity, his edge that he brings us every single day is second to none. Coach is doing an amazing job. He’s putting us all in great positions on the court. We’re all extremely comfortable with what he’s having us do out there. And he has us all bought in, which is something you can’t really ask for more than that.”

Thibodeau has rallied behind Payton despite the social-media cries for popular rookie Immanuel Quickley. Now Payton has weaved two straight games of 20-plus points. Before Saturday’s game, Thibodeau said Payton’s too good a defender not to start.

“The big thing is the defense,’’ Thibodeau said. “That’s the biggest tone-setter for us. The defensive component. That’s his strength and helps his team when he starts on the ball. And to keep us organized offensively and be opportunistic on scoring opportunities.”

Even after Quickley burned the Blazers last month for 31 points, Thibodeau kept him on the bench for the entire first quarter Saturday, going the first 12 with Payton. It seemed to be a message, with all the massive hype Quickley is getting. Thibodeau could be seen yelling at Quickley on the sideline. He is still Payton’s backup.[/I]

Randle's quote = see no hate for Thibs there.
Payton has kicked it up a notch with IQ breathing down his neck.
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