While the Nuggets sit atop the Western Conference, half a game ahead of the Warriors, it’s easy to forget that not long ago Denver head coach Mike Malone was on the hot seat. The Nuggets were dealing with injuries and struggling. They had expectations of making the playoffs and there was a strong belief that if the Nuggets missed out then Malone would be fired at the end of the season. He came within one play in game of making the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but fell short.
But Malone wasn’t fired. Instead, he was given a contract extension before the start of this season. That extension has paid off so far: the Nuggets have had one of their best seasons in years. Nuggets fans are thrilled. You know who else is happy? Warriors forward Draymond Green.
Warriors test their mini momentum tomorrow night in Denver against the West-leading Nuggets: 29-13 overall, 18-3 at home. Here's Draymond Green last night when asked about Mike Malone and his Nuggets. pic.twitter.com/UQoIxmnJCl
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 14, 2019
Green is a big supporter of Malone and feels that he’s been the key to the Nuggets success. Malone’s ability to reach players like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray is paying off dividends for the Nuggets. Jokic is playing like the star he should be and Murray is growing into one himself. These two, along with Paul Millsap, are the foundational pieces of the Nuggets. It’s left Green impressed everybody else should be feeling the same way.
How Malone got to this point is fascinating. This is the first time in his career that he’s really had sustained success over an entire season. Last year was a start, but inconsistencies plagued the Nuggets and are largely why they missed the playoffs. Before he was in Denver, when he was in Sacramento, he was shockingly fired mid-season after helping the Kings get off to a surprise start. Even then, that surprise start was only a 5-1 record and he was fired when the team fell to 11-13.
Not to say the firing was deserved, but Malone had a lot of growing he needed to do as a coach. Denver gave him that chance and he’s been able to grow along with his players. The results have been phenomenal for Nuggets fans, and it’s good the organization gave him an opportunity to shine beyond last season’s disappointing end. Now the Nuggets will get to put themselves to the test against the Warriors at home on Tuesday. Don’t expect Golden State to overlook them either. You already know Green won’t do that.
