Dec 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone (left) talks with Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) during the first half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 132-120. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
With patience and time, Michael Malone can deliver success for the Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets stormed to an impressive and inspiring 120-132 home win against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night.
The win was greeted with a huge sigh of relief and a notable morale booster for coach Malone and his squad after a hugely disappointing road trip earlier this month.
During that difficult stretch, we saw the Nuggets fall to fellow league strugglers such as the Nets, Wizards and most recently, the Mavericks.
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Ultimately, many Nuggets fans began to voice their opinions in relation to the direction of this young team.
Jan 21, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5) celebrates with head coach Michael Malone after a play in the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Pepsi Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Nuggets 102-101. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Promise against Portland
On Thursday night in downtown Denver, the atmosphere changed and the spirit recovered.
Keen to make an impression, Gary Harris returned after being sidelined for 16 games and in turn the Nuggets as a whole unit found themselves healthy for the first time this season.
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The result: a Nuggets win.
And convincingly too, as they battled a Blazers team lacking quality on the road but standing as a respectable Western Conference playoff contender nonetheless.
Whilst this victory may mean very little if the team fails to deliver against New York on Saturday and Dallas on Monday, the win regardless, speaks volumes for what can be achieved if Malone can keep this squad healthy as he continues to find a way to nail down the perfect squad rotations.
Nov 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone talks with guard Jameer Nelson (1) during the game against the Utah Jazz at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 105-91. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Experimenting
With over 20 games into the season, Mike Malone has experimented with minutes, partnerships and rotations to his hearts’ content. With experiments, it takes time and patience to find the right formula, and Malone is arguably still yet to find that formula.
But on Thursday night he most certainly moved one step closer as we saw with a starting lineup that put up 81 points combined.
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On top of a productive starting five that included a season-high for in-form Danilo Gallinari and an expansive display from current fan favorite Nikola Jokic, he also found fortune off the bench.
In Kenneth Faried, Malone’s team was presented with increased energy and determination when needed. In Will Barton, the Nuggets found an injection of points when starters began to cool off. And finally, in Jameer Nelson the team gained some much need experience from a player who has arguably protected and tended this young squad during difficult moments in a game this season.
It looked like the perfect combination and recipe for success.
The Blazers may have shown glimpses of fatigue after a big win two nights before against the Thunder but Damian Lillard did not show any signs – hitting 40 points.
Despite, the guards’ offensive fortunes, the Nuggets overall were defensively sound and electrifying on offense; it was a joy to watch.
Oct 21, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone looks on from the sidelines in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 101-75. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Silencing the doubters
Prior to this desperately needed win amongst a challenging start to the season, there has been a small but very present sound of whispers regarding Malone’s capability of coaching the Denver Nuggets to an NBA playoff spot.
Whilst that may be a serious challenge this year, there is no doubt that Malone has the coaching skills and know-how to get the most out of this youthful squad for years to come, but it will take patience and time.
Malone’s head coaching career is still in its early days; he has an extensive assistant coaching resume that has seen him work around and with some of the best teams in the NBA.
He was also considered the best assistant coach in the game during the 2012 season, according to NBA general managers.
Malone’s opportunity to take the head coaching mantle of an NBA team was long overdue. And now he is here in Denver; a city with a rich and passionate sporting appetite, a difficult time in Sacramento and a slow start in Colorado won’t make him feel like running from a challenge anytime soon.
He and his players will surely believe he is the guy to take the Mile High club back to its rightful place: the NBA playoffs.
Once Malone has perfected his squad rotation with every player back fit and healthy, and perhaps a possible trade move for a useful player in the future, the Nuggets head coach can make this team tick once again as we saw at the Pepsi Center on Thursday night.
Dec 14, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone reacts during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 114-108. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Full steam ahead
We have learned over the past few games that Nikola Jokic must play more minutes. A young versatile player with so many assets and abilities on the court should be featuring more often than he was.
And with Gary Harris back, Denver possess a serious defender in the back-court. When it’s time for tip-off, the Nuggets need to play aggressive, high-octane basketball at home.
Just like we we are accustomed to witnessing years back, and then we will surely be nearer to the glory days.
The Pepsi Center has seen a feeble attendance since the season tipped off.
Like any teams, when firing on all cylinders, the fans flock to see them, but when the transitional periods and challenges arrive, some fans will have doubt. Denver needs to be a fortress again.
The Nuggets and Mike Malone need the support of the Mile High faithful through thick and thin, win or lose, and eventually restore and revive the faith that this young team and coach needs.
With patience and time, trust and belief, Michael Malone can lead this team back to success.
