Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone believes the incident between Torrey Craig and Enes Kanter in Game 2 of their second round NBA playoff series wasn't dirty.

Malone spoke to the media in the aftermath of the Nuggets' 97-90 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, during which he emphasized that the fourth quarter altercation was just a result of two passionate teams determined to make the West Finals.

Game 2 was a typical physical and bruising NBA playoff game. Torrey Craig, a 28-year-old basketball journeyman who played in New Zealand and Australia, was one of the centers of attention.

With 43.5 seconds remaining in the game, Blazers point guard Damian Lillard made a free throw to make it 95-88 in favor of Portland. In the ensuing rebound play, Nuggets center Nikola Jokic shoved Kanter. The latter then ran into Craig, who hit the deck.

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In Michael Malone's opinion, it wasn't dirty. After all, none of the players threw elbows or punches. The game featured typical shoving matches when emotions are running high.

Not only that, but the stakes are high too: both teams teams are fighting to advance to the Western Conference Finals.

One things's for sure: the physical play will continue. Finesse takes a backseat in the playoffs. Teams don't give up easy baskets. If you drive to the basket, expect to take a hard hit. That's NBA playoff basketball for you.

Despite Lillard's struggles (5-of-17 shooting for 14 points), the Blazers stole homecourt advantage from the Nuggets. C.J. McCollum picked up the slack with 20 points for Portland.

Expect another slugfest between the Nuggets and Blazers in Game 3 at the Moda Center on Friday.