After an unexpected 119-108 victory by the Los Angeles Lakers against the Denver Nuggets, last night in Game 4, Nuggets’ Head Coach Mike Malone has expressed concern about his team’s performance. Amidst an injury scare surrounding star guard Jamal Murray and with Game 5 on the horizon, Malone’s confidence has been shaken.

Malone spoke to reporters in a post-game interview and addressed his team’s performance so far. His comments were marked with worry about the team’s future performance in Round 1 but overall, he seemed determined. Here’s what he said.

Can’t play half-a-basketball, says Coach Malone

About his team’s play so far, Coach Mike said, “We just weren’t ready to play.” He added, “As the series is going on, we’re getting away from understanding that this is transition – this is paint, it’s not play calls, you know. And tonight we didn’t have that,” said Malone, reflecting on the need for a different approach.

Coach Malone also felt ‘Concerned’ about the points the Lakers scored in the paint. Going forward, he is hoping to change that outcome while also out-duel them in the first quarter. Notably, this is the fourth game in a row where they have lost the first quarter and been down at halftime. “To close the team out, you can’t play half a basketball,” stated Malone. The Lakers have performed well in the first half in all four games.

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Malone even said that he did not think that his team had the requisite physicality or the urgency to win last night. The game was not close at all; the Lakers performed consistently throughout. Los Angeles made NBA history after bouncing back from a 3-0 series loss. “If we’re going to win this in 5 games, it’s going to take us coming out ready to play and sustaining that for 48 minutes cuz that team’s not going anywhere,” Malone concluded. Game 5 will be pivotal and the Nuggets cannot afford to face another dent, especially in Murray’s absence.

Is Jamal Murray’s availability in question for Game 5?

Last night at the beginning of the fourth quarter, after making a shot, Murray landed on his feet and clutched his calf in pain. Although there have been no injury reports about the player, this is something to look out for ahead of Game 5. He has reported 3 injuries this month itself.

Jamal Murray is an important contributor to the Nuggets each game; this season he averaged 21.2 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.1 rebounds. He ranks #31 on the leaderboard for the most points scored by a player this season.

This season, on two separate occasions, he has been out for long periods owing to different leg injuries, so he may be facing inflammation due to his history of injuries. In light of such a risk, the team may decide to bench him.
As the Nuggets prepare for a pivotal showdown against the Lakers tomorrow, the uncertainty surrounding Murray’s possible injury makes their game plan more concerning. Who will reign in Game 5? Tune in tomorrow at 8 pm MDT to find out.