Inside the Locker Room: Jase and Tyus Talk Turnovers, Growth, and Beating the Warriors
As the season grinds on and teams start separating themselves from the pack, the focus tightens. For Jase and Tyus, it’s all about the details - the kind that don’t show up in the box score but win you games in crunch time. After a recent stretch of games, both guards opened up about what’s fueling their growth, what it’ll take to knock off Golden State, and how the team is learning to value every possession.
Efficiency Over Flash: Jase Talks Turnovers and Tempo
For Jase, the message is clear: play fast, but play smart.
“We want to push the pace,” he said, “but that can’t come at the expense of taking care of the ball.” It’s a balancing act - tempo fuels their offense, but turnovers can kill momentum just as fast.
The key? Staying organized and communicating on the fly.
It’s not just about getting into sets quickly - it’s about knowing where everyone’s supposed to be and making decisions with purpose.
That kind of discipline is something the team is still building, but it’s already paying dividends. And for a young guard like Jase, learning how to control the game without overplaying his hand is a big step in his development.
Next-Man-Up Mentality: Noah Penda’s Impact
One of the bright spots in a recent matchup against the Jazz? Noah Penda. Jase didn’t hold back when asked about his teammate’s performance.
“I loved it. Honestly, I loved it,” he said.
“He came in, fought hard in the minutes he was given. Didn’t really play much in the third, but stayed ready and made some big-time plays in the fourth.”
That’s the kind of mentality every coach wants on their bench - a player who stays locked in, even when his number isn’t called right away. Penda’s energy and execution in crunch time didn’t just help the team - it made a statement about the depth and resilience of the roster.
Jase on His Own Growth: Defense First, Confidence Always
When it comes to his own evolution, Jase knows where the foundation has to be laid.
“Just being tougher defensively,” he said. “That’s one of the biggest things for me. I felt like that could keep me on the floor.”
It’s not just about effort - it’s about identity. Picking up full court, playing with edge, and setting the tone on that end. Offensively, he’s still finding his rhythm, especially with his shot, but the confidence hasn’t wavered.
“I didn’t shoot it as well as I wanted to last game,” he admitted, “but I’m staying confident with those shots.”
That kind of self-awareness - knowing where you need to grow, but not letting it shake your belief - is what separates players who stick from those who fade.
Tyus on Turnovers: Discipline and Basketball IQ
Tyus, the veteran voice in the backcourt, echoed Jase’s emphasis on ball security but took it a step further.
“It’s about staying disciplined in what we’re running,” he said. “Knowing what we’re trying to get to. Understanding matchups, time and score, when to play fast, when to slow it down.”
It’s the mental side of the game - the chess match - that Tyus is constantly trying to master and pass on. Recognizing who’s hot, what the defense is giving you, and how to control tempo based on the flow of the game. It’s not just about avoiding mistakes - it’s about making the right reads at the right time.
Learning from a Star: Tyus on Jimmy Butler’s Influence
When asked about the impact of playing alongside Jimmy Butler, Tyus didn’t hesitate.
“He’s a pro’s pro,” he said. “One of the hardest workers I’ve been around - if not the hardest.
Just consistency. Showing up, working on your game, watching film.”
It’s the kind of leadership that doesn’t need to be loud. Butler’s approach - all business, all the time - has clearly left a mark. For younger players like Jase, having that kind of example in the locker room is invaluable.
Scouting the Warriors: Respect for Steph, Focus on Defense
Looking ahead to a showdown with the Golden State Warriors, Tyus knows exactly where the focus needs to be.
“Steph Curry is the head of the snake,” he said. “You’ve got to know where he is at all times.”
It’s not just about chasing Curry around screens - it’s about sticking to the game plan, staying locked in defensively, and finishing possessions. That means limiting second chances, rebounding with purpose, and turning stops into transition opportunities.
“If we can get out and run - but run with awareness - we can put pressure on them,” Tyus added. “But it starts on the defensive end.”
A Mentor’s Message: Tyus on Guiding Jase
There’s a clear bond between the two guards, and Tyus is embracing the mentor role.
“Just telling him to be himself,” Tyus said. “He’s a sponge.
He wants to learn. He’s a gamer - he just wants to hoop.”
And that’s what stands out. Jase isn’t trying to force the issue.
He’s learning the nuances of the NBA game - where his spots are, how to read the floor, how to adjust on the fly. And Tyus is right there, offering pointers, helping him navigate the learning curve.
The Bottom Line
This team is still finding its identity, but the foundation is being laid - through defense, discipline, and a willingness to grow. Whether it’s Jase locking in on the defensive end, Noah Penda seizing his moment, or Tyus sharing wisdom from years in the league, the pieces are coming together.
And with a matchup against the Warriors looming, they’ll need every bit of that growth to translate into execution. Because against a team led by Steph Curry, there’s no margin for error - only opportunity for those ready to rise to the moment.