Mike Malone, Denver Nuggets head coach, spoke after the Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Western Conference semifinals.
The Denver Nuggets are alive! They managed to bounce back in the series after suffering the first two losses on their home court. They responded by winning the next two games in Minnesota, so now the series is tied at 2-2.
“Never underestimate the heart of a champion. Last year, we won twice in Miami in the finals. This team has been tested over and over again, and we respond to everything that comes our way. This series is far from over, we’re not celebrating at all. What I see is that this team believes in themselves and in each other. That’s how a championship team should play,” said Malone.
Nikola Jokic had foul trouble, but Aaron Gordon played brilliantly, scoring 27 points with an excellent shooting percentage of 11/12 from the field.
“It reminded me of the final when Nikola had foul trouble. I think the whole planet holds its breath in that situation. Just like then, we managed to respond. We played through Murray, Gordon, the bench guys stepped up. Yes, he’s a three-time MVP, but this team is not just Nikola Jokić, it’s full of talent, confidence, and guts,” he added.
He also commented on the Nikola Jokic-Jamal Murray duo, who once again showed how tough it is to beat the Nuggets when they play at their level.
“Eight years of playing together. They’ve been efficient for a long time in reading each other’s game and defense. It doesn’t matter who takes the shot, but that the right play is made. Timwerwolves’ defenders were completely focused on Murray, and he managed to find him in that ‘pocket’. When that happens, it’s like solving a Rubik’s cube, anything can happen: lob, pass for an open three-pointer, or one of the best floaters in the NBA. We always turn to that action, and they’ve been excellent at it for years,” concluded Malone.
The next game of the series is scheduled for Wednesday morning at 4:30 AM in Denver.