The Denver Nuggets suffered a disappointing 115-92 loss by the hands of Minnesota Timberwolves on March 12.
Regardless of a 34-point effort from Nikola Jokic, the 2023 champions fell brief in opposition to the Timberwolves who’re on a six-game profitable streak.
The Nuggets began the sport with out scoring for nearly the primary 4 minutes and had been poor for the remainder of the night time as effectively, taking pictures solely seven of the thirty three pointers they tried.
Jokic, who’s in one of many candidates for the MVP award, performed seventeen straight second-half minutes in an try and catch as much as the Timberwolves.
Nevertheless, the Nuggets couldn’t stand as much as the problem of a rejuvenated Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards because the duo mixed for 54 factors within the win.
Former NBA participant Kendrick Perkins discovered the truth that Jokic taking part in 17 straight second half minutes was a sign of Nuggets head coach Michael Malone having no different system in place when the centre is subbed out.
Perkins referred to as out Malone after what was a disappointing loss for the Nuggets at their residence.
He fired photographs on the 53-year-old and said Malone wanted to carry himself accountable for what he isn’t in a position to do.
“They lean on him greater than most likely another participant within the NBA.
“Which takes me into one other dialog, Michael Malone when are you gonna assist him out as a coach, have you ever ever seen these non-Jokic minutes and what that appear to be? It’s like rattling the person can’t get a breather,” stated Perkins.
The previous NBA champion added the Nuggets wanted to place an offensive system in place for non-Jokic minutes.
He added: “Put an offensive system in place that when Jokic goes out, that guys may thrive in and he may be capable of relaxation.
“However I’m taking a look at it like as a result of Michael Malone has some many feedback, he have a lot to say about every thing else and everyone else world wide, however he by no means holds himself accountable.”
The Denver Nuggets are presently in a great place as they sit third within the West with lower than a month of the NBA season remaining.
Jokic is making his case for the fourth MVP award and whereas doing that he’s additionally serving to his facet doubtlessly end because the second seed within the West.
Nevertheless, that may very well be powerful because the Nuggets’ subsequent few fixtures embrace video games in opposition to groups just like the Golden State Warriors, who’re excessive on confidence, Minnesota Timberwolves and the Milwaukee Bucks.
With crew’s making an attempt to throw gamers to protect Jokic, Malone should proceed rallying his troops and getting one of the best out of them.
Prescence of gamers like Russell Westbrook, who has been sensational since transferring to the Nuggets is a good assist as he can take a number of the load from Jokic.
However Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon may even need to showcase their expertise within the upcoming video games, if the Nuggets are to complete the season on a powerful notice.
