Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone recently shared his thoughts on the team’s performance and the challenges they face in the competitive Western Conference.
_Malone’s Assessment_
“We’re a good team, but we’re not a great team yet,” Malone said in a recent interview. “We’ve got to continue to work on our consistency, our defense, and our rebounding. Those are the areas that will take us from being a good team to a great team.”
_Injuries and Lineup Changes_
The Nuggets have been dealing with injuries to key players, including Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. Malone acknowledged the challenges of integrating players back into the lineup, but expressed confidence in the team’s depth and resilience.
“Injuries are part of the game, and we’ve been fortunate to have a deep roster,” Malone said. “But it’s not just about the players who are out – it’s about the guys who are stepping up and filling those roles. I’ve been proud of the way our team has responded to adversity.”
_Western Conference Competition_
Malone also discussed the challenges of competing in the Western Conference, where teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Phoenix Suns are vying for supremacy.
“The West is a beast, and every night is a battle,” Malone said. “But we’re not afraid of anyone. We know we’ve got the talent, the depth, and the coaching to compete with anyone in the league.”
_Nuggets’ Goals and Expectations_
As the Nuggets look to make a deep playoff run, Malone emphasized the importance of staying focused and taking things one game at a time.
“Our goal is to win a championship, but we can’t get ahead of ourselves,” Malone said. “We’ve got to take care of business every night and make sure we’re playing our best basketball when it matters most.”