Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone says he never doubted that his team would lose in the closing seconds of Game 4 against the Portland Trail Blazers, even using statistics to back up his claim.
In his presser conference after their Game 4 victory, Malone pointed out that his team is 13-3 in close games (games decided by three points or less) this year for the best record in the NBA. In addition, they are 12-1 in second games of a back-to-back — also the best in the league.
Michael Malone says he was "confident" in the closing moments of tonight's game and explains why. #Nuggets #Blazers @CBSDenver pic.twitter.com/vp3B3a8YGd
— Michael Spencer (@MichaelCBS4) May 6, 2019




Given the facts, Michael Malonehad the confidence that his team would pull out all the stops needed to tie the series. It didn't cross his mind that fatigue — both physical and mental — will come haunting his team despite succumbing to a heartbreaking quadruple-overtime loss just a few days ago.
The West Semis between the two teams is turning out to be one of the most exciting matchups in recent playoff history. So far, all four games have been decided by single-digit leads. The biggest one was an eight-point victory by the Nuggets in Game 1.
The series will move back to Pepsi Center for Game 5 on Tuesday, May 7. It's anyone's best guess who will come out on top. But it's for certain that it'll be another thriller between the Nuggets and the Trail Blazers.