“We’ll be out in the first round” – Nikola Jokic and Nuggets teammates are SOFT, claims coach Mike Malone

Denver Nuggets Miss Chance to Lock Up #1 Seed in Western Conference

“We’ll be out in the first round” – Nikola Jokic and Nuggets teammates are SOFT, claims coach Mike Malone

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The Denver Nuggets missed a crucial opportunity to secure the top spot in the Western Conference as they faced a disappointing 124-103 defeat against the Houston Rockets. During the game, Nuggets head coach, Michael Malone, used direct language to criticize his team, describing them as “soft” and expressing his frustration with their lack of effort.

Despite being considered a weaker team in the league, the Rockets dominated the game, exposing the Nuggets’ apparent lack of motivation and ability to bounce back from adversity. Following the game, Malone was extremely upset with his team’s performance and expressed his disappointment to the media.

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The Nuggets, who currently have the best record in the Western Conference at 52-27, were unable to capitalize on a chance to secure the top seed. As a result, they now only have a slim two-game lead over the Memphis Grizzlies. Their remaining three regular season games are tough matchups, including two against teams ranked in the top four in the West.

“If that’s how we’re going to play, we’ll be out in the first round. … I just called our team ‘soft,’ Malone said. “and I dared someone to challenge me. No one did, because we as a group were soft tonight.”

To make matters worse, star guard Jamal Murray left the game early in the second quarter due to a right thumb sprain and his availability for the remaining games is uncertain. The Nuggets will need to regroup quickly and find their fight if they want to secure the top seed in the West.

Related: Damian Lillard DOWNPLAYS Nikola Jokic’s impact by choosing Joel Embiid as the MVP front runner for bizarre reason

Michael Malone’s team Look to Regroup and Secure Top Seed in Final Three Games

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Although the Denver Nuggets suffered a defeat against the Rockets, they can still aim for the top seed in the Western Conference by winning their remaining three regular-season games. Their upcoming game on the road against the Phoenix Suns, who are known as one of the strongest teams in the West, will be a challenging match.

The Suns have been dominant this season, especially with Kevin Durant in the lineup, but the Nuggets will need to find a way to win if they want to keep their top-seed hopes alive. After that, they will face the Utah Jazz, a team they have had success against this season, before finishing their season at home against the Sacramento Kings.

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With Murray’s status up in the air, the Nuggets will need to rely on the rest of their team to step up and make plays. Nikola Jokic, who is a leading candidate for the MVP award, will need to continue his dominant play, while other players such as Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon will need to step up and contribute.

The Nuggets have shown resilience throughout the season, and they will need to tap into that resilience in their final three games if they want to secure the top seed in the West. With tough opponents ahead, it won’t be an easy task, but if they can find their fight and play to their potential, they have a chance to bring a championship to Denver.

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