Michael Malone Calls Out Nuggets Players For Bad Interior Defense Against Lakers

In his post-game remarks, Malone highlighted the Lakers' dominance in the paint throughout the series. He pointed out that the Lakers scored a staggering 72 points in the paint in Game 4, following a similarly high total of 70 points in Game 3. 

Additionally, he referenced the Lakers' success in Game 1 and Game 2, where they scored 54 and 38 points in the paint, respectively, underscoring the consistent challenge his team faced in containing their interior scoring.

Malone stressed the significance of the Lakers' interior scoring and lamented his team's failure to address this issue effectively. He acknowledged that despite similar challenges in Game 3, the Nuggets were able to secure a victory, but their defensive shortcomings were more pronounced in Game 4.

Expressing his frustration, Malone described his repeated reminders to his team during timeouts, emphasizing the importance of defending the paint. He acknowledged that despite similar challenges in Game 3, the Nuggets were able to secure a victory, but their defensive shortcomings were more pronounced in Game 4.

Malone's comments underscore the critical nature of interior defense in playoff basketball, particularly against a talented team like the Lakers. He emphasized the need for his players to exhibit greater physicality and urgency on the defensive end to prevent the Lakers from capitalizing on opportunities in the paint.

While the Nuggets have shown resilience and resilience in previous playoff matchups, Malone recognized the need for improvement, especially in crucial closeout games. He emphasized the importance of maintaining defensive intensity and executing game plans effectively to secure victories in playoff contests.

As the series progresses to Game 5, Malone and the Nuggets will look to address their defensive issues and regain momentum. With their season on the line, they will need to demonstrate greater resolve and determination to overcome the Lakers' formidable offensive attack and secure a series-clinching victory.

The Nuggets Have A Chance To End This At Home

After a disappointing Game 4 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Denver Nuggets find themselves heading back home for Game 5 with an opportunity to close out the series and advance to the next round of the playoffs. Despite facing deficits in each game of the series, the Nuggets have shown resilience and the ability to mount comebacks, particularly in their home arena.

Throughout the series, the Lakers have consistently held the lead for significant portions of the game, building substantial advantages that proved difficult for the Nuggets to overcome. 

However, in previous matchups, the Nuggets have demonstrated their capacity to stage impressive comebacks, erasing deficits of 12 points in Game 1, 20 points in Game 2, and 10 points in Game 3. These resilient performances showcase the Nuggets' ability to rally together and compete against adversity.

In Game 4, the Nuggets appeared to be a step slower than their opponents, lacking the energy and execution that fueled their previous comebacks. Despite their efforts, they were unable to deliver the decisive blows that had propelled them to victory in previous games. However, returning to their home court in Denver presents the Nuggets with a renewed sense of confidence and determination.

The atmosphere in the Pepsi Center is expected to be electric, with fans rallying behind their team as they look to close out the series on their home turf. The support of their passionate fan base could provide the extra boost needed to propel the Nuggets to victory and secure a spot in the next round of the playoffs.

With the opportunity to end the series at home, the Nuggets will be motivated to deliver a strong performance and capitalize on their home-court advantage. As they prepare for Game 5, the Nuggets will be focused on executing their game plan, maintaining their defensive intensity, and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.

While the Lakers have proven to be formidable opponents, the Nuggets remain confident in their abilities and are determined to seize the opportunity to close out the series in front of their home fans.