The Denver Nuggets entered Madison Square Garden fresh off a dominant win over the Los Angeles Lakers, but their confidence quickly evaporated in a humbling 27-point loss to the New York Knicks on Monday night.
Head coach Michael Malone, known for his fiery demeanor, didn’t mince words in the aftermath, issuing a pointed challenge to his team, particularly star players Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
The Nuggets’ struggles were evident from the opening tip. While the Knicks came out with urgency—riding standout performances from OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns—the Nuggets appeared lethargic and disconnected. It was a stark contrast to their commanding effort against the Lakers just days earlier. Malone’s frustration boiled over during his postgame remarks, calling out his team’s lack of intensity.
“Let’s be honest, tonight we got embarrassed,” Malone said bluntly. “This wasn’t just a bad stretch—it happened for four quarters. This is something we’ve been talking about for 16 games now: effort, toughness, physicality. Tonight, it just wasn’t there.”
Malone emphasized the need for leadership on the court, particularly from Jokic and Murray, the team’s cornerstone players. “I need Nikola Jokic. I need Jamal Murray. I need guys who’ve been in that starting lineup to be vocal,” he stated. Malone’s remarks reflected not only his disappointment but also his belief that Denver’s stars must set the tone for the rest of the roster.
Denver’s lackluster performance against New York highlighted troubling inconsistencies. The Nuggets shot 44% from the field and just 33.3% from beyond the arc, numbers that paled in comparison to their opponent’s efficient offense. Despite shooting an impressive 92.6% from the free-throw line, their struggles from the floor proved insurmountable.
“Regardless of who’s in or out, we need to decide who we want to be as a team,” Malone continued. “Toughness, physicality, playing like you care—that’s what’s missing. Tonight, we played like we thought we’d just show up and win because of our last game.”
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Malone gave credit to the Knicks for their tenacity, noting how they bounced back after a tough loss to Utah. “Give them credit—they played urgent, physical, desperate, motivated basketball. We, on the other hand, played like the result was guaranteed,” Malone remarked, underscoring the stark contrast in effort between the two teams.
Denver’s numbers told the story of their struggles. The Nuggets connected on just 41 of their 92 field goal attempts, including a lackluster 11-of-33 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, the Knicks capitalized on Denver’s defensive lapses, repeatedly finding high-percentage shots and controlling the game’s tempo.
Malone’s callout wasn’t reserved for his stars alone. He made it clear that the team’s issues stem from a collective lack of accountability. “Leadership would be great, but it has to be backed by effort. We’ve been talking about these same problems since the first game in Memphis. At some point, talk isn’t enough.”
The loss raises questions about Denver’s consistency as they aim to defend their championship. While their highs have showcased their potential to dominate, losses like this suggest underlying issues that could derail their aspirations. For a team with championship ambitions, Malone’s message is clear: effort and intensity must become non-negotiables.
For the Nuggets, the path forward requires more than just adjustments on the court. Malone’s comments signal a deeper demand for buy-in from his players, particularly the team’s leaders. Whether this loss serves as a wake-up call remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Malone expects more from his team, and the clock is ticking for them to deliver.
