In the Washington Wizards locker room, coach Scott Brooks stood at the front of the room, acknowledging players for their impact on a big win in Portland.
He started with Isaac Bonga, who played only five minutes, but was a plus-five in the box score.
"Those five minutes were huge," Brooks said. He moved on to Rui Hachimura, calling him a "difference-maker" the last two weeks, with his defensive versatility.
He brought it in for a huddle, and there was some standard joyful commotion, but then a brief pause. There was an understanding someone else had the floor, as he does after every game when he wants it.