The Denver Nuggets’ head coach Michael Malone was very clear about not underestimating the Miami Heat heading into the 2023 NBA Finals.
Jimmy Butler and the Heat proved Malone right after stealing Game 2 of the series in Denver. It was a brilliant game that ended at 111-108 in favor of Miami. Michael Porter Jr. applauded the Heat’s defensive strategy after hearing what the Nuggets players were saying during games.
“I think they’re playing off of our coverages. They’re hearing what we’re communicating to each other, and they’re doing the opposite,” Porter Jr. said. “If we say ‘switch,’ they’re slipping out for open threes. If we don’t say ‘switch,’ they are actually going to set the screen.”
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It’s a pretty basic strategy, and the Heat players are taking complete advantage of it. Michael Malone needs to make the required adjustments in Game 3 of the series, otherwise, the Nuggets will run the risk of getting out-coached by Erik Spoelstra.
Kendrick Perkins Called Out Michael Malone After Game 2 Loss In The 2023 NBA Finals
Heading into Game 3, the series is still tied at 1-1. So neither team is truly out of contention for becoming the champions of the league this season.
Moreover, Game 2 was a close affair as the two teams were separated by just three points. Despite that, NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins called out Michael Malone after the defeat.
“Michael Malone is calling out his team, but who’s calling out Michael Malone?… How about utilizing him [Michael Porter Jr] being 6’10?…While Mike Malone is out here calling out his team, he needs to look himself in the mirror as well…Michael Malone, I get it, effort is one thing, but I didn’t see too many things Michael Malone did.”
Malone is a passionate head coach and isn’t shy when it’s time to criticize his players. But at the same time, he needs to take some responsibility as well. Big Perk pointed out that Malone didn’t do many things to avoid losing in Game 2.
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