The Denver Nuggets were unable to seal the deal at home on Sunday afternoon. The Portland Trail Blazers sent the Nuggets packing after only two rounds of postseason action. However, playing just shy of 100 games this season has allowed Denver, and more specifically Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic, to enter the limelight as a legitimate NBA contender. Mike Malone realizes this.
As a result of Jokic's efforts, especially during his team's postseason run, Nuggets head coach Mike Malone wants the rest of the country outside of Denver to appreciate the prolific big man and his unique skillset.
“I hope after 14 playoff games that America came to appreciate Nikola's game,” Malone said after his team's Game 7 loss to the Trail Blazers on Sunday, via NBA TV. “He's upset because he didn't think he did enough for us to win the game. We all know it's not on him.”
Though coming up short against the Portland Trail Blazers, who will now be playing the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals, Malone is optimistic about the future in Denver.
“I love where we’re at, but more importantly I love where we’re going and who we’re going there with,” Malone continued in regards to his team, via NBA TV.
Despite not finishing where the team would have liked this time around, the Nuggets did string together an impressive 54 regular season wins, finishing behind only the top-seeded Warriors in the Western Conference standings. Thanks to the team's young core, featuring Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets and Mike Malone will no doubt be back next year.
Follow Us
Subscribe