NBA fans have mixed feelings over the latest behavior of Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone. As most of us should be aware Malone played a role in the Denver Nuggets winning their first championship in franchise history. This is quite a commendable achievement and deserves its due credit. However, fans seem to think that he is letting his personal feelings get in the way of the moment.
Denver finished this season as the best team in the Western Conference. Yet, they were considered the underdogs against the Los Angeles Lakers and perhaps even the Phoenix Suns. One could argue that there was a significant amount of disregard for the team. Especially when compared to the Lakers. Although a significant amount of time has passed since then, Malone still took a shot at the Lakers via his clothes during the Nuggets’ championship parade. Let us take a closer look and find out more.
Michael Malone foresaw the Nuggets crushing the Lakers
Most critics will be quick to dismiss the incredible postseason run that Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets managed to put up this season. The Lakers were considered favorites by many to make the NBA Finals after eliminating the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs. As the Lakers and Nuggets were set to face off, many assumed that the Lakers would win Game 1.
This clearly did not happen as the Nuggets defended their home court. Since the media love the Lakers, Malone was asked about his confidence in the Nuggets and his worries regarding how the Lakers would adjust to them. In response to that he made a statement, “You put that in your pipe, you smoke it. We’re going to go up 2-0.”
Michael’s faith certainly had some basis since the Nuggets ended up sweeping the Lakers in 4 games. However, fans were unnerved to see that he wore a shirt with the same quote during the championship parade, “I’ve never seen a coach this obsessed with a team in my life like bro you just won a championship you should be celebrating having fun, enjoying life.”
I’ve never seen a coach this obsessed with a team in my life like bro you just won a championship you should be celebrating having fun, enjoying life.
— َ (@HoodiGuWop) June 15, 2023
He won the championship and the Lakers are still living rent free pic.twitter.com/9FCHFqo7ma
— OddsJam.com (@OddsJam) June 15, 2023
Lakers living in mikes head rent free 🤣
— Brian (@BPC2323) June 15, 2023
The alcoholic uncle fit is on point pic.twitter.com/SO7F6EebEm
— Colin Schrader (@smackncappn) June 15, 2023
Perhaps the fans have a point. However, we shouldn’t forget the disrespect the Nuggets tolerated while front-running throughout this NBA postseason. They were only forced to 6 games once by the Phoneix Suns and closed out the rest of their matchups within 5 games. Since they were not given the recognition they deserved at the time, Malone is bringing that to the people’s attention via his t-shirt.