The Denver Nuggets suffered a disappointing 115-92 loss at the hands of Minnesota Timberwolves on March 12.
Despite a 34-point effort from Nikola Jokic, the 2023 champions fell short against the Timberwolves who are on a six-game winning streak.
The Nuggets started the game without scoring for almost the first four minutes and were poor for the rest of the night as well, shooting only seven of the thirty three pointers they attempted.
Jokic, who is in one of the candidates for the MVP award, played seventeen straight second-half minutes in an attempt to catch up to the Timberwolves.
However, the Nuggets could not stand up to the challenge of a rejuvenated Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards as the duo combined for 54 points in the win.
Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins found the fact that Jokic playing 17 straight second half minutes was an indication of Nuggets head coach Michael Malone having no other system in place when the centre is subbed out.
Perkins called out Malone after what was a disappointing loss for the Nuggets at their home.
He fired shots at the 53-year-old and stated Malone needed to hold himself accountable for what he is not able to do.
“They lean on him more than probably any other player in the NBA.
“Which takes me into another conversation, Michael Malone when are you gonna help him out as a coach, have you ever seen those non-Jokic minutes and what that look like? It’s like damn the man can’t get a breather,” said Perkins.
The former NBA champion added the Nuggets needed to put an offensive system in place for non-Jokic minutes.
He added: “Put an offensive system in place that when Jokic goes out, that guys could thrive in and he could be able to rest.
“But I’m looking at it like because Michael Malone has some many comments, he have so much to say about everything else and everybody else around the world, but he never holds himself accountable.”
The Denver Nuggets are currently in a good spot as they sit third in the West with less than a month of the NBA season remaining.
Jokic is making his case for the fourth MVP award and while doing that he is also helping his side potentially finish as the second seed in the West.
However, that could be tough as the Nuggets’ next few fixtures include games against teams like the Golden State Warriors, who are high on confidence, Minnesota Timberwolves and the Milwaukee Bucks.
With team’s trying to throw players to guard Jokic, Malone will have to continue rallying his troops and getting the best out of them.
Prescence of players like Russell Westbrook, who has been sensational since moving to the Nuggets is a great help as he can take some of the load from Jokic.
But Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon will also have to showcase their experience in the upcoming games, if the Nuggets are to finish the season on a strong note.
