(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The Denver Nuggets weren’t ready to play in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
They managed to keep it close out of talent and chemistry alone, but they were outplayed and outhustled on both ends of the floor, and that’s something no team can afford at this point in the season.
That’s why coach Mike Malone wants his team to be locked in ahead of the rematch.
Following the loss, he gave the Minnesota Timberwolves, and particularly Anthony Edwards, plenty of credit for the win.
However, he also put his players on notice by letting them know that it takes 48 minutes of effort to win in the playoffs, adding that they cannot play for just one half of a basketball game (Via 9NEWS).
“There’s a reason they were in first place for a large majority of the season.” Nuggets head coach Michael Malone talks about Denver loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves after Game 1 #MileHighBasketball
GAME STORY: https://t.co/pB8Jgny8n4 pic.twitter.com/fYx38jkcwF
— 9NEWS Sports Denver (@9NEWSSports) May 5, 2024
Coach Malone has a full grasp of the locker room and he clearly knows how to motivate them, challenge them, and encourage them.
The Nuggets failed to keep the pace up in the second half, and while the final score wasn’t as lopsided, it seemed like they never truly stood a chance.
Edwards was the best player in the game by a significant margin, and Jamal Murray struggled mightily on offense.
Perhaps he’s still dealing with an injured hamstring, but everybody’s banged up in the playoffs, and there will be no time to bounce back.
The Nuggets are still the defending champions and more than capable of coming back from this, but they must stay focused and not take any possessions off against a team of this caliber.
The post Michael Malone Sends A Clear Message To His Team After Game 1 Loss appeared first on The Cold Wire.