QUOTAGE

WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE GAME

George Karl, Denver coach (and proud Lakers parent), above, before losing the first meeting between his Nuggets and Isiah Thomas’ Knicks since last season’s rumble:

“I don’t think I have a lot of feelings for Isiah. He’s a coach in the NBA that I respect and have a professional desire to beat.”

WAIT UNTIL THE SECOND WEEK

Ray Allen, Boston guard:

“I think we kind of are in awe a little bit of our own offense.”

TIRED OF THE BULLS?

Richard Jefferson, of New Jersey, after outscoring Luol Deng, 29-22, in a win over Chicago:

“Them and Boston are the two favorites. I don’t really see how that works out. Luol is apparently one of the best small forwards in the game. It’s a lot of fun to go out and try and prove myself against somebody of that caliber.”

THIS WOULD BE A REVOLUTION

Avery Johnson, Dallas coach, after beating the Cavaliers and losing to the Hawks:

“When you talk about Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, Shelden Williams and Al Horford, those guys are all pretty athletic so you have to really make contact with them before you get that rebound. We got away with that in our opener [against] Cleveland but didn’t get away with it tonight.”