QUOTAGE

KNOW THYSELF

New Jersey’s Jason Kidd, above, after the Nets were upset at home by the Knicks, dropping them to 18-20 before a six-game trip:

“That’s who we are. We’re the Nets. I can’t sit here and explain to you and make something up. That’s who we are. There’s nothing wrong with that. As long as we know who we are, it’s not a bad thing.”

EVERYONE’S A CRITIC

Boston’s Kevin Garnett, whose departure from Minnesota was a topic of discussion for years, on LeBron James’ situation in Cleveland:

“LB’s one of the premier players in this league. . . . As a player who has to do everything, you store it in the back of your mind for future reference that you need some help. I’m pretty sure he’s doing some of that -- that if they don’t get him some help he has to make some lifelong decisions about his career.”

OR NOT

James, discounting the need for a big three like Boston’s:

“On my team everyone is going to be successful because that’s how I play the game.”

DON’T WE KNOW

Utah rookie Kyrylo Fesenko, asked if he flew first class when he was recalled from the developmental league:

“Southwest don’t have first class.”

FAMOUS LAST WORDS

Charlotte’s Gerald Wallace after the Bobcats lost by a point to the Celtics on Ray Allen’s last-second three-pointer before upsetting them in Boston:

“We feel like we beat these guys twice.”