The Denver Nuggets are focused on securing consecutive championship victories, with little concern for other matters according to coach Michael Malone. This lack of interest was evident as Malone admitted to not watching any of the All-Star Game during the weekend. This disinterest could be attributed to the perception of the game by many as more of a spectacle than a serious basketball contest. The absurdly high score, with the Eastern Conference defeating the West 211-186 in regulation, exemplified this sentiment.
Malone expressed his satisfaction in abstaining from All-Star weekend activities, as he found no value in them. Additionally, he shared skepticism regarding the NBA’s ability to make the game more competitive. He highlighted the challenge of compelling players to play with intensity and care, particularly considering the risk of injuries. Malone even suggested a potential solution similar to the NFL’s Pro Bowl, proposing an All-Star event after the season concludes where players can participate without the pressure of competition. Overall, he emphasized the current lack of competitiveness in the All-Star Game, questioning its purpose in its current format.
The Nuggets, with a record of 36-19 as of Thursday, are striving to join the elite ranks as one of the few teams in NBA history to achieve back-to-back championship victories, a feat last accomplished by the 2018 Golden State Warriors.
The team is anticipating the return of their starting backcourt players, Jamal Murray and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, immediately following the break. Coach Malone expressed optimism about their progress, stating that they appear to be in good condition and hoping they’ll be ready to rejoin the lineup soon. He acknowledged the significant impact their presence has on the team’s performance, emphasizing their importance to their overall success.
According to Durando, Murray has been grappling with bilateral tibia inflammation, leading to his absence from the latter half of a game against Milwaukee and the entirety of the subsequent match against Sacramento. Meanwhile, Caldwell-Pope has been contending with tightness in his right hamstring for a couple of weeks.
