Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone expressed frustration over his team's lackluster defensive performance after they allowed the New York Knicks to score 145 points, the most by any opponent in a regulation game during his decade-long tenure. Malone emphasized the need for the team to show more effort and commitment on the court.
Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone expressed frustration after a 145-118 loss to the New York Knicks, criticizing the team's lack of effort and leadership, particularly from stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Malone emphasized the need for the team to remember the embarrassment and improve their defensive play and leadership. The loss marks a downturn for the Nuggets, who have lost four of their last six games.
Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic missed his third consecutive game for personal reasons, as the team secured a 122-110 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Jokic, a three-time MVP, leads the Nuggets in points, rebounds, and assists. Coach Michael Malone was uncertain about Jokic's availability for the upcoming game against Dallas. The Nuggets struggled in Jokic's absence, losing two games before their recent win, and faced challenges with rebounding and turnovers.
During the Nuggets-Spurs game, coach Michael Malone showed restraint by keeping MVP-eligible Nikola Jokic on the bench, allowing the second unit to shine and secure a 117-106 win. Jokic's dominant performance against Victor Wembanyama included providing insights on defense to the rookie. Jokic's patience and respect for Wembanyama's potential were evident, while also acknowledging the presence of former player LaMarcus Aldridge at the game.
The Denver Nuggets survived a scare from the Utah Jazz to secure a 142-121 win, with coach Michael Malone expressing dissatisfaction with the team's performance despite the victory. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic led the charge with impressive performances, but Malone criticized the team's lack of focus and effort, particularly in the second half. The Nuggets' offensive prowess was evident, but Malone emphasized the need to build better habits and expressed concern about maintaining leads. Additionally, Nikola Jokic played through a right arm contusion, with no lingering concerns about the injury impacting his performance.
Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone expects the NBA to investigate the Philadelphia 76ers after Joel Embiid's last-second scratch from their game, citing the league's new Player Participation Policy. Embiid's absence due to knee soreness was announced just before tip-off, leaving the Nuggets surprised and disappointed. Despite the unexpected change, the Nuggets managed to secure a 111-105 win. Malone and Nikola Jokic downplayed the notion of a rivalry between the two teams, emphasizing respect for Embiid's abilities while acknowledging the disappointment of missing a highly anticipated matchup.
Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic and coach Michael Malone were ejected during the first half of their game against the Detroit Pistons. Jokic received his first technical foul in the first quarter for arguing a call, while Malone was ejected for disputing a call on the court. Jokic was then ejected after arguing another call in the second quarter. Despite the ejections, the Nuggets went on to win 107-103.
Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone has agreed to a contract extension that will make him one of the highest-paid coaches in the NBA. This comes after leading the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship in 2023. Malone's successful partnership with Nikola Jokic and the team's strong roster positions them as contenders for future championships. Malone has been with the Nuggets for eight seasons, lifting the franchise from the lottery to the playoffs and ultimately to an NBA title. Under his leadership, the Nuggets have the second-best winning percentage in the NBA since the 2018-19 season.
The Denver Nuggets faced a tough test against the Golden State Warriors, but managed to secure a 108-105 victory, showcasing their depth, hunger, and versatility. Despite missing Jamal Murray, the Nuggets executed well on both ends of the floor and made crucial defensive stops in the fourth quarter. Nikola Jokić played a key role, adapting defensively to counter the Warriors' small-ball strategy. With an 8-1 record, the Nuggets are finding their identity this season and proving they can compete without their star point guard.
The Denver Nuggets' NBA championship rings, designed by Jason of Beverly Hills, feature unique elements including a lever that shifts from 1967 to 2023 and a retractable compartment unveiling the championship banner. The emerald-shaped ring has 16 carats of diamonds to represent the team's 16 postseason wins, with the Larry O'Brien Trophy on the front and a silhouette of Denver's mountain peak and pickaxes logo. The ring also includes white and yellow diamonds, blue sapphires, and 89 red rubies to honor the number of points Denver's defense held the Miami Heat to in the title-clinching Game 5 win.
Brendan Malone, former coach of the Detroit Pistons and father of Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone, has passed away at the age of 81. Malone was known for his role in creating the defensive strategy "The Jordan Rules" that helped the Pistons win two championships. He also had coaching stints with the Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks, and other NBA teams. Malone was honored with the 2023 Tex Winter Assistant Coach Lifetime Impact Award.
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone celebrated his team's first-ever NBA championship by getting a tattoo of the team's mascot, Maxie the Miner, holding the Larry O'Brien Trophy on his left shoulder. Malone has been coaching since 1993 and worked his way up to NBA head coach, building one of the best cultures in the league with the Nuggets. He guided the team from missing the playoffs in his first three years to winning the championship this year, with Nikola Jokić as the Finals MVP.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James posted a cryptic message on Instagram, insinuating that he's been impacted by Denver Nuggets' celebration after their win against the Lakers in the NBA playoffs. The post comes after a shot was taken at Lakers head coach Michael Malone during the Nuggets' parade. Despite the rivalry, James congratulated former teammate Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on winning a second ring and praised the Nuggets after losing in four games.
LeBron James appeared to take a shot at Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone on Instagram, possibly in response to Malone's criticism of the Lakers and his comments about James considering retirement. The Nuggets organization, including Malone, also took shots at the Lakers during their championship parade. Despite a poor start to the season, the Lakers showed resiliency and made it to the Western Conference Finals before losing to the Nuggets. James, who has a player option for the 2024-25 season, will likely have beating the Nuggets in mind next season.
Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone made a cheeky reference to LeBron James during an interview, prompting James to respond with an Instagram post. Malone had been critical of the lack of attention given to the Nuggets during their Western Conference final series against the Lakers, and wore a shirt with the message "The narrative wasn't about the Nuggets" during the team's championship parade. James and Malone have a history dating back to their time with the Cleveland Cavaliers.