The Denver Nuggets faced off against the Utah Jazz tonight and walked away with a 142-121 victory! Brilliant, right? Coach Malone doesn’t think so. And he cannot be blamed. The Nuggets were going on steady when Utah, out of nowhere, got hot and almost stole the show. Moving to the third quarter, the Jazz reduced what was once a 39-point deficit right down to 14.

Talking to the press post-game, Malone didn’t hold back as he gave a hilarious take on tonight’s win and big scare. “Michael Malone on the 3rd quarter: “That was embarrassing. He said he could hear his father up in heaven saying, “You guys are the same ole’ Nuggets” in terms of giving up big leads.” It seems like Papa Malone has a very good idea of his son’s team!

The Denver Nuggets’ third-quarter curse was the most prominent during the 2020-21 season. Ironically, Malone, after a season-opener loss to the Kings on Dec. 23, 2020, said that the team had lost the game in the third quarter. The poor coach had no idea it would become an unwelcome trend for the rest of the season. For example, despite winning the Jan. 31, 2021 Jazz matchup, the team gave up 13 points in the third. Prior to that, on the 27th, Denver crushed the Heat 109-82, but much like tonight, the third quarter saw Miami finish 32-16!

This was a common theme. At the time, the ‘Mile High City’ was sixth in the overall net rating (4.8). But when isolating it to the third quarter, they were 23rd with a net rating of -3.4. Of course, their numbers are way better now. After all, they have come a long way from 2020.

Yet, even with all the mess, the Nuggets’ head coach is happy that they got the win.

The Jazz rookie was sensational against Nikola Jokic and Co.

Prior to the tip-off tonight, Michael Malone warned his team about the Jazz rookie who was rising to however the occasion demanded. The third quarter scare also happened thanks to the courtesy of Brice Sensabaugh. His first eight minutes on the floor saw the Ohio State product with four points, two assists, and one steal.

Michael Malone Shows his ‘Lakers-Daddy’ Side To Scare Off Celtics Troop: “Take That L on The Way Out Baby”

Fast forward to the alarming third quarter, and the 20-year-old scored 10 of the 44 points, as he finished the night with 16 points, three assists, and two rebounds. Although the Jazz lessened the gap to 14, that’s just as far as Denver allowed them. But as Malone said, “An ugly ass win is better than a pretty loss.“

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Jamal Murray led the team in scoring as he landed a game-high 37 points, along with seven assists, and three rebounds. Nikola Jokic, for his part, contributed 26 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. Anyway, for the Nuggets’ sake, let’s hope the third-quarter curse is not making a comeback, especially with just 18 games left for the playoffs.