The Nuggets remain atop the Western Conference despite losing five of their last seven games. Coach Mike Malone says it’s time for his team to start playing at a championship level as the postseason approaches, he told Mike Singer of the Denver Post.
“That’s not up to our standards,” he said of the team’s recent stretch. “This is gonna sound weird for most people, but more important than the wins and losses, is how we’re playing. Yeah, we want to win every night, but as I told our players yesterday, with 10 games to go now, it’s all about getting back to playing and developing championship habits. We got away from that.”
We have more on the Nuggets:
- Reggie Jackson has shot 31.4 percent since he signed as a free agent. Thomas Bryant has averaged just 9.9 minutes since being acquired from the Lakers. Malone says he’s closer to deciding whether they’ll be part of the postseason rotation. “You have to give them an honest look. Can’t just be one or two games. You have to give them an extended look to see what you have,” Malone told Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. “But now with 10 games to go, we’ve gotta find a group and a rhythm and give them some opportunities to formulate that on-court chemistry moving forward. And I have a pretty good idea of who that is.”
- Zeke Nnaji is also getting a look late in the season after returning from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for six weeks, according to Singer. In his first game back, the 22-year-old power forward played 12 minutes and contributed four points, five rebounds and a block against Brooklyn. Malone said Nnaji made the second unit more athletic and versatile defensively.
- Jamal Murray has averaged 35.8 minutes per game this month despite dealing with right knee inflammation and occasional left knee soreness. Malone said Murray’s health is being monitored on a regular basis, Singer writes. “It’s a daily conversation with Jamal, the training staff,” Malone said. “See where he’s at, not just physically, but mentally as well.”
Nuggets aren’t looking good post deadline…
The moves could of worked, but both Jackson and Bryant seem unplayable in the playoffs… And Malone doesn’t know how to tell his GM…
They got the best player in the Association flanked by playmakers and shooters. They’ll be fine.
Chicken McNuggets always choke in the playoffs. Just wait and see.
I told everyone I gave them a F. Should of kept Bones. Why trade for a back up center when your best player is a center. Bryant needs 25 at least. Why trade for him? They need a shot blocking defensive PF next jokic. Also a sixth man SG behind KCP. How hard is this? I’m surprised they didn’t sign another center
Minutes*
Bryant shouldn’t have complained about his role with the Lakers and asked to be traded. He was definitely playing more than 9.9 minutes a game for them. Plus the exposure he would’ve continued to get as a member of the Lakers would’ve drastically helped him in free agency.
Denver hasn’t proved anything yet. Jokic has been playing 7 yrs with Murray. Still haven’t been to a West Final. Unless you count the COVID West Finals. Which they got BoUnCeD in 5gms by Lakers ……..
time to Show