Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone, renowned for his forthright demeanor, is currently facing backlash from NBA fans after a terse exchange with a reporter following his team’s 98-90 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Semifinals.
In the postgame press conference, a reporter posed a question about the difficulty of the loss, especially after leading by 20 points:
“How hard is it to absorb a loss like this after going ahead by 20?” Malone’s response was brusque and dismissive: “Next question, man. The season’s over. That’s what’s hard. F— being up by 20. The season’s over. You don’t understand that. The season’s over. It’s hard. Stupid a– question.”
This reaction has not sat well with fans, who found the question legitimate given the Nuggets’ initial dominance in the game before the eventual collapse.
Malone, who is highly regarded as one of the top coaches in the NBA, led Denver to a championship the previous year and was vocal in celebrating the achievement. At last year’s championship parade, he confidently told fans, “Is Brucey B going anywhere? Hell no! We’re running this s— back! … Get loud,” showcasing his and the team’s high spirits. However, this jubilance was somewhat marred when Bruce Brown left the team in free agency, and Denver’s general manager, Calvin Booth, publicly criticized Brown during his departure.
Now, with the Nuggets ousted in the second round, Malone’s recent curt remarks contrast sharply with his previous victory celebrations, casting a shadow over his and the organization’s image.
While disappointment and frustration at the end of a promising season are understandable, Malone’s petulance in handling critical questions is seen as unbecoming for a coach celebrated for his leadership. This incident highlights the importance of maintaining professionalism, especially in the face of adversity.
