The Denver Nuggets are coming off of a tough loss against the Philadelphia 76ers. They’re now in seventh place, chasing down the Golden State Warriors for fifth place and home court advantage in their first round playoff series.
The Denver Nuggets are in the NBA Playoffs, but they have not been able to win a single game. They face 0-0 in their first round match-up against the Memphis Grizzlies.
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Coach Michael Malone said the Denver Nuggets must stay together with their season on the verge of collapse, despite players fighting on the bench and the reigning league MVP being ejected in the fourth quarter.
Malone’s aim when his team returned to Denver for the next two games after disintegrating for the second consecutive game and losing Game 2 of their first-round playoff series with the Golden State Warriors 126-106 on Monday night was to ensure his squad didn’t fracture.
Malone remarked, “We have to stay together.” “In difficult times, we can’t splinter.”
“I just want to make sure that when we board this aircraft to return home, we all board together, knowing that we have a chance to win at home for the first time in a few days. That is the only focus of our efforts.”
The Nuggets’ frustration was palpable as they saw a 43-31 second-quarter advantage vanish under the weight of a Warriors’ 41-14 barrage. The Nuggets succumbed to an avalanche of Golden State buckets for the second game in a row in the second half. The Warriors put up 44 points in the third quarter alone on Monday.
“We’re being whupped, and a lot of emotions are flaring up,” remarked a visibly irritated Monte Morris. “All we have to do now is be tougher and stick together.” With so many errors, we’re not giving ourselves a chance to defeat this squad.
“Also, if we’re going to remain separated, we don’t stand a chance. We’ve got to keep our heads down and stick together.”
During a third-quarter break, Will Barton and DeMarcus Cousins exchanged words, and Barton had to be physically separated from Cousins.
Draymond Green and other Warriors stepped out onto the floor, sensing the mounting displeasure, and pushed supporters to grow louder at the same moment.
When asked what occurred, Barton answered, “Nothing, just some silly s—-.” “I shouldn’t entertain some dumb s—- that occurred on the bench. In the series, in the playoffs, in the game, I can’t allow it happen. That’s not good enough for me.”
With seven minutes left in the fourth quarter and the Nuggets already behind 109-89, Nikola Jokic was disqualified.
Jokic remarked after Game 1 that he didn’t want to comment on what he would have to do differently to garner more foul calls since he only went to the line two times.
Jokic got to the line very quickly on Monday night, collecting two trips in the opening 90 seconds and finishing the game with eight free throws. Jokic’s fury grew as the game progressed.
Gary Payton II patted him on the back after blocking his jumper late in the first quarter, which irritated the Nuggets center. Jokic had to be stopped from attacking Payton.
Jokic said, “He doesn’t have to do that.” “I just responded. That isn’t necessary.”
With 2:31 remaining in the third quarter, Jokic received his first technical foul for smashing the ball in fury after being called for a foul on what he felt was a clean stop.
When Jokic claimed he heard a “slap” on what he felt was a foul but was not called, he received his second T.
“I understand his dissatisfaction,” Malone remarked. “I believe he is being fouled as he believes he is being fouled. He isn’t receiving the call. But he’ll have to figure out a means to get around it. He’s much too important to be wasted.”
“As a leader of this club, he has to demonstrate players that when things aren’t going your way, you have to find a way to battle through it and be mentally strong,” the coach said. “That’s going to be a problem for him in the future.”
After the game, Nuggets players spoke out in the locker room, according to Morris. He and Barton, on the other hand, agreed that talking won’t help them win the Warriors.
“We have to find it, and we have to stick together,” Morris added. “If not, this s—- will be done in a flash, exactly as they do.” They’re all together now. They’ve all paid their dues.
“They’re out there dancing and laughing. It’s a total embarrassment.”
The “utah jazz” is the team that the Denver Nuggets are facing in their first game of the NBA Western Conference Finals. The Jazz have been playing well and will be a tough opponent for the Nuggets, who are looking to make it back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2009.
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