Mike Malone, head coach of the Denver Nuggets, spoke to the media before the start of the second round of the NBA playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Denver Nuggets comfortably secured their spot in the next round after five games against the Los Angeles Lakers, but now they face a much tougher task. The Timberwolves are a team that has shown this season they can be extremely challenging, evidenced by their four wins against the Phoenix Suns. Head coach Mike Malone had nothing but praise for the upcoming opponent.
“We’ve had a few days to recover physically and mentally, and then we started discussing the next opponent and the challenges they present. We went through some of their plays, talked about their players, the energy is right. Against the Los Angeles Lakers, we found a way to win, it was tight, but we managed to make shots when it mattered most.
They are a team that plays with a lot of physical contact, and the Minnesota Timberwolves are also like that – they are the best defensive team in the league, they make opponents feel uncomfortable. If we allow them to get into our bodies – and they are long, athletic, and have many great defenders – that will be a problem. However, I think we are ready for the challenge.”
It’s clear that the Nuggets’ defensive focus will be on Anthony Edwards, who has been in incredible form this season.
“A devilishly good player. In two out of four games this season, we held him to zero points in the last quarter, and I think against the Phoenix Suns, he averaged 10 points in the final quarter.
He’s fast in transition, so it’s important for us to get back quickly on defense, and we’ll need to switch defenders on him and vary our defensive approach. A big challenge not only for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope but for everyone,” Mike Malone concluded.