Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone recently expressed his frustration with his team’s lack of conditioning following a preseason loss to the Phoenix Suns. Malone criticized the team for being “soft” and called for more conditioning and running in practice. The Nuggets also lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in their fourth straight preseason game, with Malone continuing to push his players to improve.
Malone has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the team’s effort in games, including criticizing the NBA All-Star Game in 2023 as the worst basketball game ever played. Despite his critiques, Malone acknowledged the honor of being part of the league and praised certain players for their hard work and competitiveness. The Nuggets will have some time to prepare for the regular season, with their first game scheduled on October 24 against the Thunder.
The head coach’s comments reflect a sense of urgency and determination to improve the team’s performance and fitness levels. Malone’s push for more conditioning and effort from his players suggests a desire to see them reach their full potential and compete at a higher level. His criticism of the current state of the league and the need for more physical play highlights his belief in the importance of hard work and dedication on the court.
Despite the team’s struggles in preseason games, Malone remains focused on preparing the Nuggets for a successful regular season. With games against the Minnesota Timberwolves still to come before the start of the season, Malone will have more opportunities to fine-tune his team’s performance and address any areas of weakness. His passionate approach to coaching and dedication to pushing his players to improve bodes well for the team’s prospects moving forward.
Moving forward, it will be crucial for the Nuggets to address their conditioning and effort levels in practice and in games. Malone’s tough-love approach and willingness to challenge his players will be key in motivating them to work harder and reach their potential. As the regular season approaches, the Nuggets will need to come together as a team and focus on playing with energy and intensity to achieve success on the court. Malone’s leadership and commitment to pushing his players to be their best will be instrumental in guiding the team towards their goals in the upcoming season.
