Mike Malone, the head coach of the Denver Nuggets, did not mince words following their defeat against the Miami Heat in the second game of the NBA Finals. The basketball team from Colorado allowed their opponents to gain the upper hand on their home court, and Malone made his disappointment known.
During the post-game press conference, Malone criticized his starting five, expressing his belief that they did not give their all. He emphasized the importance of effort, hard work, and commitment in the NBA Finals, highlighting his concern for the lack thereof from his players.
“I want to talk about effort. This is the NBA Finals, and we should be talking about giving it our all and showing dedication. This is a major concern for me. People may have thought I was exaggerating when I said we didn’t play well after the first game. But the truth is, we didn’t play well. Tonight, our starting five allowed Miami to go on a 10-2 run,” Malone stated.
He continued by pointing out Miami’s 11-point scoring spree in the first two minutes and ten seconds of the third quarter. Malone expressed frustration with some players feeling sorry for themselves when they struggled to make shots, or when they thought they could switch on and off at will. He stressed that this was not the time for such attitudes, as the NBA Finals demand a higher level of focus and commitment.
Malone also revealed details of the conversation that took place in the locker room after the game. He asked his players to provide an explanation for the defeat, and they acknowledged that Miami had outplayed them. Malone described the game as the most undisciplined performance of their 16-game playoff run. To have a chance of turning the series around, Malone emphasized the need for greater persistence and determination than their opponents.
The Denver Nuggets now face the challenge of regrouping and coming back stronger in their quest for victory in the NBA Finals.
