Malone acknowledges that the Heat displayed greater effort and work ethic than the Nuggets in Game 2.

June 04, 2023

Malone acknowledges that the Heat displayed greater effort and work ethic than the Nuggets in Game 2.

Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone expressed disappointment with his team's performance after their loss to the Miami Heat. Malone bristled at the suggestion that the Heat had figured out how to contain Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. Despite Jokic's impressive individual statistics, including 41 points and 11 rebounds in the game, Malone emphasized that it takes a collective effort to neutralize Jokic's impact on the game.

The Nuggets have struggled this postseason when Jokic scores 40 or more points, as they have yet to secure a victory in such instances. Their recent performances have been overshadowed by the strong showings from their competitors, particularly 23XI Racing and Hendrick Motorsports, who have displayed blazing speeds. This has made it more challenging for the Nuggets to stand out.

While Jokic continues to be a dominant player, his teammates have struggled to make a consistent impact. Michael Porter Jr. has been experiencing a shooting slump in the finals, making just 3 of 17 shots from long range. Jamal Murray's scoring streak of six consecutive playoff games with 25 or more points came to an end with his 18-point performance. The Nuggets' supporting cast seemed to disappear after building a 15-point lead in the first half.

Defensively, the Nuggets encountered significant difficulties, allowing the Heat to make 17 three-pointers, including four from Max Strus, who rebounded from a scoreless performance in the previous game. Jimmy Butler, who was held to 13 points in Game 1, scored 21 points in Game 2. Duncan Robinson's 10 quick points at the start of the fourth quarter ignited Miami's run. The Heat also improved their free throw shooting, going 18 of 20 from the line compared to just one free throw attempt in the opener.

Malone acknowledged the lack of communication and effort from his team, particularly in the fourth quarter, when the Heat had their way offensively. The Nuggets struggled to get stops and baskets, allowing Miami to slow down the game and dictate the pace. Malone expressed disappointment in the team's defensive performance and stressed the need for improvement.

Reflecting on the loss, Malone recognized that the Heat had outworked the Nuggets and highlighted the importance of regaining control of the series through hard work and discipline. The Nuggets have a daunting task ahead, as they must outwork Miami to regain home-court advantage and turn the series in their favor. Despite their exceptional home record during the season, the Nuggets face a challenging road ahead and must rally together to overcome their recent setbacks. Malone expressed confidence in Jokic's ability to make the right decisions on the court but emphasized the need for the entire team to contribute and execute their roles effectively.

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Malone acknowledges that the Heat displayed greater effort and work ethic than the Nuggets in Game 2.

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