Inside the NBA reacts to Malone HEATED Interview & Nuggets loss
Summary
TLDRIn this post-game discussion, the Denver Nuggets reflect on their loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, ending their season. Despite leading by 20 points, the Nuggets were unable to secure a back-to-back championship. The team acknowledges the mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion from a grueling season and playoffs, suggesting it may have contributed to their defeat. They express disappointment but also pride in their competitive spirit. The commentary highlights the challenges of repeating success in the NBA, with players and coaches considering the hunger of the opposition and the need for continuous improvement.
Takeaways
- đ The Denver Nuggets faced a tough loss after leading by 20 points, indicating the difficulty of maintaining a lead in basketball games.
- đ The season ended for the Denver Nuggets, highlighting the abruptness with which a season can conclude after a significant loss.
- đ€ The team's coach acknowledges that the better team won, showing sportsmanship and recognition of the opponent's performance.
- đ The coach also points out that unlike the previous season, the team had to play their main players through game 82, which could have contributed to fatigue.
- đ The emotional and physical toll of the season is evident, with players feeling drained and the coach expressing empathy for their efforts.
- đȘ Despite the loss, the coach maintains a positive outlook, commending the team for their fight and competitiveness.
- đŻ The script discusses the concept of being 'the hunter' versus 'the hunted,' suggesting that the Nuggets may have lost some of their underdog motivation.
- đ€·ââïž The players and coach express a mix of disappointment and optimism for the next season, showing a forward-looking attitude despite the setback.
- đ The historical context is provided, noting that it's rare for a defending champion to reach the conference finals, with the last instance being the Golden State Warriors in 2019.
- đ„ The importance of the bench strength is mentioned, with the loss of key players like Jeff Green and Gary Harris being a significant factor in the Nuggets' defeat.
- đ« The commentators suggest that the Nuggets' lack of depth and inability to match the opposition's performance were critical issues in their loss.
Q & A
What was the final score of the game between Minnesota and Denver?
-The final score was 98 to 80 in favor of Minnesota.
How did the speaker describe the difficulty of absorbing a loss after being ahead by 20 points?
-The speaker found it hard because the season was effectively over despite being ahead by 20 points, and they acknowledged that the better team won.
What does the speaker imply about the team's performance last year?
-The speaker implies that the team had a successful run last year, playing into June, and was able to rest their main players down the stretch.
How did the speaker feel about the team's effort this season?
-The speaker felt that the team gave everything they could ask for, competing, fighting, and giving themselves a chance, despite coming up short.
What was the speaker's perspective on the team's physical condition?
-The speaker believed the team was gassed, mentally, emotionally, and physically tired, having played a lot of basketball and not having the same opportunity to rest as the previous season.
What did the speaker express about their mindset after the loss?
-The speaker expressed that despite the hurt, they would walk out with their head held high because of the team's effort and the fact that they competed.
What was the speaker's view on the motivation of being the hunter versus the hunted in the game?
-The speaker believes that when you're the hunter, you have more motivation, a constant chip on your shoulder, and you grasp onto anything to prove everyone wrong.
What was the discussion about the difficulty of repeating as NBA champions?
-The discussion revolved around the increased hunger and talent of opposing teams, and the pressure of being the team everyone wants to beat.
What was the main reason mentioned for Denver's loss in the game?
-One of the main reasons mentioned was the lack of scoring and the inability to make shots, even when they had open looks.
How did the speaker feel about the team's talent and the possibility of repeating as champions?
-The speaker felt that the team had a lot of talent and great opportunities, but ultimately, if someone beats you, they were the better team.
What was the commentary on the importance of the bench players for the Denver Nuggets?
-The commentary suggested that missing key bench players like Jeff Green and Brown was a significant factor in the Nuggets' loss, as they were unable to match their performance.
What was the final outcome for the Denver Nuggets after the discussed game?
-The Denver Nuggets' season ended after their loss to Minnesota, who advanced to the Western Conference Finals.
Outlines
đ Post-Game Reflections on a Difficult Loss
The first paragraph discusses the emotional aftermath of a significant loss in a basketball game. The speaker acknowledges the better team won and expresses no resentment towards their opponents, Minnesota. They reflect on the physical and mental exhaustion of their team, having played extensively the previous year, which led to a lack of rest before the current season. Despite the loss, the speaker holds their head high, proud of the team's effort and the chances they had. The discussion also touches on the mentality of being the hunter versus the hunted, and the motivation that comes with proving others wrong. The speaker concludes by looking forward to the next season, despite the current disappointment.
đ Analyzing the Second Half Collapse
The second paragraph focuses on the analysis of a basketball game's second half where the team's lead was lost. The speaker notes that the opposing team scored effectively and secured many offensive rebounds, while their own team struggled to convert open shots. They credit the opposing team's defense and acknowledge that sometimes shots made in previous games are missed. There is a sentiment of regret as the team felt they were the better side and had the talent to potentially win the series. The speaker disagrees with the notion that the talent alone should have secured a win, as they believe the team that wins the series is the better one. The discussion also involves commentary on the team's bench strength, the absence of key players, and the impact of those absences on the game's outcome.
Mindmap
Keywords
đĄAbsorb a loss
đĄSeason's over
đĄBetter team won
đĄMentally, emotionally, physically
đĄGassed
đĄCompeted
đĄHunter vs. hunted
đĄDefending Champ
đĄBack to back
đĄTalent on the team
đĄSting
đĄOffensive rebounds
đĄWide open looks
đĄNumber one defense
đĄBench
đĄFree agent
Highlights
The difficulty of absorbing a loss after being ahead by 20 points in a game.
Acknowledgment that the season is over after a significant lead is lost.
The better team won, and there's no taking away from Minnesota's victory.
The physical, mental, and emotional toll on players who played deep into June and had to secure a high seed early in the season.
Coach's pride in his team despite the loss, as they gave their all and competed.
The challenge of maintaining motivation when you're the hunter versus when you're the hunted.
The emotional struggle of feeling like the team should have won, despite the opponents' victory.
Excitement for the next year despite the current season's disappointment.
Historical context: A defending champion making the conference finals was last seen in 2019 with Golden State.
Reflection on the difficulties of going back-to-back in championships and the mental switch needed.
The importance of having a chip on your shoulder and the motivation it brings.
Nikola's thoughts on the difficulty of repeating in the NBA due to hungrier and more talented teams.
Analysis of what happened in the second half, focusing on scoring, offensive rebounds, and missed shots.
The pain of losingć æ·± by the belief in the team's talent and the opportunity to repeat.
The acknowledgment that if someone beats you in a seven-game series, they are the better team.
Discussion on the Nuggets missing key bench players and the impact on the game.
The need for additional shooting and the absence of players who could make crucial shots.
Final score and Minnesota's advancement to the Western Conference Finals.
Transcripts
SKY HIGH.
>> HOW HARD IS IT JUST TO
ABSORB A LOSS LIKE THIS
AFTER AFTER GOING AHEAD BY
20.
>> NEXT QUESTION.
>> MAN THE SEASON'S OVER.
>> THAT'S WHAT'S HARD BEING
UP 20. THE SEASON'S OVER.
YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT.
THE SEASON'S OVER. IT'S
HARD. THE BETTER TEAM WON.
SO I'M TAKING NOTHING AWAY
FROM MINNESOTA.
>> BUT WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE
FACT THAT ALL THE TEAMS THAT
ARE STILL PLAYING, WE PLAYED
INTO JUNE LAST YEAR, A LOT
OF BASKETBALL, AND THEN WE
HAD TO PLAY OUR GUYS, OUR
MAIN GUYS. UNLIKE LAST
SEASON THROUGH GAME 82 TO
SECURE THE NUMBER TWO SEED,
WHEREAS LAST YEAR WE WERE
ABLE TO REST DOWN THE
STRETCH. AND I THINK THE RUN
LAST SEASON AND COMING BACK
AND YOU KNOW, THE AMOUNT OF
MINUTES THAT OUR STARTERS
HAD TO PLAY, I THINK
MENTALLY, EMOTIONALLY,
PHYSICALLY, I THINK GUYS ARE
GASSED, THEY'RE DEAD TIRED.
THEY GAVE ME EVERYTHING I
COULD EVER ASK FOR. AND
THAT'S WHY AS MUCH AS IT
HURTS, I WILL WALK OUT OF
THIS BUILDING TONIGHT WITH
MY HEAD HELD VERY HIGH.
BECAUSE WE COMPETED, WE
FOUGHT, WE GAVE OURSELVES A
CHANCE AND WE CAME UP SHORT.
AND THAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN
AT TIMES. I'LL SAY, JUST
JUST MENTALLY AND
PHYSICALLY, YOU KNOW,
CONJURING UP THE ENERGY TO,
TO FIGHT LIKE YOU'RE BEING
HUNTED.
>> I THINK THAT'S THAT'S THE
, THAT'S THE EMOTION, YOU
KNOW, I THINK WHEN YOU'RE
THE HUNTER, YOU HAVE SO MUCH
MORE, MORE, MOTIVATION. AND
YOU, YOU GRASP ON TO
ANYTHING TO PROVE EVERYBODY
WRONG. AND YOU HAVE A
CONSTANT CHIP ON YOUR
SHOULDER. I THINK, YOU KNOW,
AS THE WINNER, YOU, YOU
KNOW, HAVING HAD ONE, I
THINK, I DON'T KNOW, I FELT
LIKE WE SHOULD HAVE WON
TONIGHT. THAT'S THAT'S THE
TOUGH PART. YOU KNOW, THEY
BEAT US, BUT WE HAVE SO MANY
GREAT OPPORTUNITIES,
INCLUDING MYSELF. SO, IT'S
JUST TOUGH, MAN. I'M JUST
EXCITED FOR NEXT YEAR. I
DON'T KNOW. I DON'T WATCH
THESE GUYS, SO I DON'T KNOW
WHAT WHAT TO TALK ABOUT, BUT
I KNOW THEY, YOU KNOW, THEY
HAVE TO TALK ABOUT SOMETHING
AND THEY HAVE TO TALK ABOUT
US THAT ARE ON THE COURT,
BUT, YEAH, YOU KNOW, I'M
GLAD COACH DIDN'T DIDN'T
LISTEN TO HIS ADVICE. 30-52
>> THE END OF THE SEASON FOR
THE DENVER NUGGETS. SO THIS
HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF,
RECENT HISTORY, AT LEAST
BECAUSE LAST TIME A
DEFENDING CHAMP MADE THE
CONFERENCE FINALS WAS 2019
AND THAT WAS GOLDEN STATE.
BUT IT HASN'T HAPPENED
SINCE. AND DENVER WITH A 20
POINT LEAD IN GAME SEVEN ON
THEIR FLOOR, UNABLE TO
COMPLETE THE JOB AS
MINNESOTA BEATS THEM
TONIGHT, 98 TO 80.
>> IT WAS INTERESTING THAT
TONIGHT THEY REFLECTED ON
THE DIFFICULTIES OF BEING
BACK TO BACK OR GOING BACK
TO BACK, OR TRYING TO BE
BACK TO BACK. BEEN BLESSED
ON A TEAM THAT TO BE ON THE
TEAMS THAT WENT BACK TO
BACK. SO I DON'T THINK IT
HINDERED US IN THE PLAYOFFS
LIKE WE THAT THAT FEELING
HAD FAR GONE. IT WAS THE
START OF THE SEASON BECAUSE
YOU'RE PLAYING AT SUCH A
HIGH LEVEL IN JUNE AND THEN
ALL OF A SUDDEN YOU TURN
AROUND AND YOU'RE PLAYING A
PRESEASON GAME IN OCTOBER.
SO IT'S LIKE, IT DOESN'T
MEAN ANYTHING. AND SO IT
TAKES A SECOND TO POSSIBLY
TURN THE SWITCH ON. BUT ONCE
THE SWITCH IS ON, IT'S ON.
YOU'RE NOT THINKING ABOUT
TODAY. OH, WE HAD TO REFLECT
AND WE WERE TIRED. NO NO NO.
LIKE WE'RE BACK AND WE'RE
HERE AND YOU'RE GOING TO
HAVE TO BEAT US. AND THE
CHIP IS BACK AND EVERYTHING
IS BACK. SO I WAS REALLY
SURPRISED TO HEAR BOTH MIKE
MALONE AND JAMAL MURRAY KIND
OF REFLECT THAT WAY THIS
LATE IN THE SEASON.
>> LET'S HEAR WHAT THE JOKER
HAS TO SAY. HE JUST SAT DOWN
.
>> SHOULD WE HEAR A LOT
ABOUT HOW HARD IT IS TO
REPEAT IN THE NBA? I KNOW IT
JUST HAPPENED FOR YOU GUYS,
BUT NOW THAT YOU'VE TRIED TO
DO IT, DO YOU HAVE ANY
THOUGHTS ON WHAT MAKES IT SO
DIFFICULT TO DO IT BACK TO
BACK?
>> I MEAN, I DON'T KNOW, WE
DIDN'T ACCOMPLISH THAT. SO I
MEAN, I DON'T KNOW. IT'S
HARD BECAUSE THE TEAMS ARE
MORE HUNGRIER, THE BETTER,
BETTER TALENTED THAN LAST
YEAR. PROBABLY EVERYBODY GET
BETTER. EVERYBODY WANTS TO
BEAT US. PROBABLY. THAT'S MY
THOUGHT PROCESS. PROBABLY
NIKOLA. OBVIOUSLY YOU GUYS
WENT UP PRETTY EARLY IN THAT
THIRD QUARTER AND LEAD
ULTIMATELY DISSIPATED.
>> JUST WHAT HAPPENED IN THE
SECOND HALF FROM YOUR
PERSPECTIVE?
>> I MEAN, THEY WERE
SCORING. THEY HAD A LOT OF
OFFENSIVE REBOUNDS. WE
COULDN'T MAKE SHOTS EVEN. I
THINK WE HAD A LOT OF OPEN
LOOKS, WIDE OPEN LOOKS, BUT
THAT'S, THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS.
YOU KNOW, SOMETIMES YOU MAKE
SHOTS, SOMETIMES YOU MISS
SHOTS. AND, TODAY I THINK WE
DIDN'T MISS SHOTS, I THINK
WE MISSED A LOT OF GOOD
SHOTS. BUT, YOU KNOW,
THAT'S, NOT JUST ON US. THEY
PLAYED SOME GOOD DEFENSE.
THAT'S WHY THE NUMBER ONE
DEFENSE IN THE NBA, SOME OF
YOUR TEAMMATES WERE JUST
SAYING WHAT MAKES THIS EVEN
MORE PAINFUL IS THE FACT
THAT, YOU KNOW, IT WASN'T A
SWEEP.
>> THEY FELT YOU WERE THE
BETTER TEAM. AND THERE'S SO
MUCH TALENT ON THIS TEAM
THAT THEY THOUGHT THIS WAS
THE TEAM THAT COULD REPEAT.
>> IS THAT WHAT MAKES IT
WITH YOU?
>> PERHAPS STING MORE
BECAUSE OF THE TALENT ON
THIS TEAM?
>> YOU KNOW, I DON'T BELIEVE
IN I BELIEVE IN THAT. I
THINK THE TEAM HUMANS IS
BETTER TEAM. SO YOU HAVE A
SEVEN GAME SO OVER A BEST OF
SEVEN. SO IF SOMEONE BEATS
YOU I THINK THEY WERE THE
BETTER TEAM. CONGRATS TO
THEM. LIKE WE DID. WE HAVE A
CHANCES. OF COURSE WE DID.
BUT, IF SOMEONE BEATS YOU, I
MEAN, THEY'RE BETTER.
>> YOU KNOW WHAT'S
INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR
COMMENTS, KENNY? THE ONE
THING WE SAID ABOUT THE
NUGGETS ALL YEAR, MAN,
THEY'RE GOING TO MISS THEM
GUYS ON THE BENCH.
>> AND WE'RE TALKING ABOUT
JEFF GREEN JEFF GREEN KNOW
BROWN WAS THE BIGGEST ONE.
>> YEAH. AND THAT'S THE
THAT'S THE REASON THEY LOST.
AND THAT'S THE REASON THOSE
GUYS HAVE TO PLAY THEIR
MINUTES.
>> WELL CHUCK I ALSO THINK
THEY NEED TO SHOOT SOME
SHOOTING. THEY NEEDED
SOMEBODY TO MAKE A SHOT.
>> YEAH.
>> BUT BROWN MADE A LOT OF
SHOTS AND JEFF GREEN MADE
SOME SHOTS. YOU KNOW BECAUSE
YOU KNOW HE WANTED HE WANTED
TO TALK ABOUT THOSE GUYS
PLAYING ALL THOSE MINUTES
BECAUSE YOU LET ALL YOUR
BENCH GO. AND THEN THE GUY
YOU WERE GOING OUT THERE
WITH, ALL THEM YOUNG GUYS
THINKING THEY WERE GOING TO
STEP UP.
>> THEY PLAYED THREE GUYS.
>> YEAH.
>> BUT BUT SEE, YOU GIVE
AWAY ALL YOUR PLAYERS AND
THEN YOU'RE LIKE, OH. YOU
KNOW I GOT TO PLAY MY
STARTERS. I'M LIKE, THAT'S
Y'ALL.
>> THEY COULDN'T REALLY THEY
COULDN'T MATCH BROWN. YEAH,
I MEAN NOT BROWN. YEAH.
BROWN.
>> HE COULDN'T OH THEY
COULDN'T MATCH. NOBODY
MATCHED JEFF GREEN JEFF
GREEN PLAYED VERY WELL.
>> HE PLAYED WELL. BUT THEY
COULD HAVE MATCHED JEFF
GREEN. BUT THEY DIDN'T MATCH
HIM. YEAH. BROWN WAS A
SOUGHT AFTER FREE AGENT LAST
YEAR.
>> YEAH. AGAIN THE FINAL
SCORE 9890 MINNESOTA
ADVANCES TO THE WESTERN
CONFERENCE FOR THE SHOW
TAKES A BAD TURN. NOW WE ALL
KNOW THAT XANDER SCHAUFFELE
WON THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP.
SHOUT OUT WAS ANOTHER HUGE
GOLF EVENT. JUST A COUPLE OF
DAYS AGO. WHAT'S IT CALLED?
>> CHUCK THE BLACK MASTERS
AND T
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