Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone didn't have time to mince words about his team's performance against the New York Knicks on Monday night.
The Nuggets lost to the Knicks by allowing 145 points. OG Anunoby dropped 40 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 30 points and 15 rebounds. New York also had 45 assists and held Denver to 118 points.
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Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone looks on during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024 in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zarbowski)
Coach Malone questioned his team's effort after the game, saying the team was not going to “let it flow” and take the next step.
“Huh, man, no, no, we're not blushing,” he said. Via ESPN. “I don't get red when I'm embarrassed, I don't get red when I give up 145 points, I don't get red when I don't play hard, I don't get red when I don't play with effort and physicality, I don't get red.” Whatever. “
Malone said he wishes his players had more of a voice when it comes to leadership. He specifically named Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
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New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (No. 3) heads to the bench late in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in Denver. He congratulated his uniform number 8). (AP Photo/David Zarbowski)
“We're playing 16 games, and we're talking about effort, we're talking about toughness, we're talking about physicality. … And who we want to be as players, no matter who's in and who's out.” So, yeah, leadership. would be great, the toughness would be great, the physicality would be great, it would be great to play like we actually cared, and we didn't do that tonight,” Malone added.
Jokic agreed with Malone and said the team needs a wake-up call. Murray also questioned the team's focus after the game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
“The season is long. These players have lives outside of basketball,” Murray said. “We just beat LA in LA. We have some players who live in LA, so we stayed in LA. I think everyone wasn't focused. This is what happens when you don't concentrate.”
Mr. Murray later clarified his statements regarding X.
“By the way, we all stayed in LA and had a great win. Those of us who didn't play together tonight are no exception,” he wrote.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, No. 15, hits New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns, No. 32, during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in Denver. Aim for a basket shot at your opponent. (AP Photo/David Zarbowski)
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