Following a devastating Game 7 loss that saw the Denver Nuggets squander a 20-point second-half lead, head coach Michael Malone did not hold back in his post-game press conference, sharply dismissing what he called "stupid-ass questions" about the collapse.
A visibly frustrated Malone faced three questions regarding the blown lead after the season-ending defeat in the Western Conference semifinals.
"Next question, man," he responded when asked about the difficulty of absorbing the loss after holding such a substantial lead.
"The season’s over. That’s what’s hard. F**k being up 20. The season’s over. You don’t understand that. The season’s over, it’s hard." He then muttered under his breath, "Stupid-ass questions."
Despite strong performances from Jamal Murray, who scored 35 points, and Nikola Jokic, who added 34, the rest of the Nuggets" roster contributed just 21 points. The team struggled offensively in the series, averaging under 85 points per game in their four losses to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Malone pointed out the heavy burden on Murray and Jokic.
"I think so much has been placed on their shoulders," he said. "We"re expecting Nikola and Jamal to continue to pull rabbits out of their hat […] somebody else has got to give some help."
Denver"s elimination marks the fifth consecutive season in which the defending NBA champions have failed to advance past the second round. Malone cited fatigue as a significant factor, noting the extensive minutes logged by the starters throughout a grueling season.
"I think the run last season and coming back and the amount of minutes that our starters had to play … I think mentally, emotionally, physically, I think guys are gassed. They"re dead tired," he explained. "They gave me everything I could ever ask for."
Despite the disappointing end, Malone expressed pride in his team’s effort.
"And that"s why, as much as this hurts, I will walk out of this building tonight with my head held very high. Because we competed, we fought, we gave ourselves a chance and we came up short. And that"s going to happen at times."
