After a disappointing Game 7 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone expressed frustration. The defeat dashed their hopes of defending their NBA title in the second round.
Despite holding home court advantage, the Nuggets fell 98-90 to the Wolves, ending the series in seven games and failing to mount a remarkable 0-2 comeback. Malone visibly bristled when a reporter queried him about his team’s substantial lead in the series decider.
“Next question, man. The season is over, that’s what’s hard. Forget being up 20. The season is over, you don’t understand that. The season is over, it’s hard. Stupid ass questions,” Malone retorted.
Throughout the series, the Nuggets struggled to breach 100 points against a faltering Wolves squad, ultimately losing 98-90. The Wolves’ intensified defensive pressure forced errors from the Nuggets, enabling them to seize control despite offensive woes.
Coaches Micah Nori and Chris Finch seemed to outmaneuver Michael Malone, particularly in defensive strategies. While the Nuggets’ offense hadn’t faced such difficulties in the past five seasons, the Timberwolves deciphered their tactics.
Malone Commends Timberwolves’ Performance
Acknowledging the Timberwolves’ victory, Malone credited them for outperforming his team, albeit with discomfort during the post-game conference addressing his team’s shortcomings in the loss.
Malone refrained from delving into details, though he noted his squad’s fatigue compared to others due to their championship run the previous year.
“I’m not an excuse maker. The better team won. I’m taking nothing away from Minnesota. When you look at the fact from all the teams that are still playing, we played until June last year,” Malone asserted.
The challenges faced by the Nuggets in their defeat mirrored those required to secure the championship again. Despite beginning the season as favorites, the Nuggets’ postseason journey abruptly ended in the second round.
