Nikola Jokic has won back-to-back MVPs but does not have airs about it. While Jamal Murray can bring the roof down with his shooting and athleticism, he remains subtle and low-key. Then who brings the verbal fire for the Denver Nuggets? We might not be privy to the locker room, but from what they displayed last year, it has to be Mike Malone, the coach.

The Nuggets are gearing up for their new season with a clean slate. But the Lakers are yet to let go of the disrespect meted out to them by the Nuggets. Can Mike Malone deflect the smoke that is coming their way?

It is on them.

Mike Malone is intense. We saw him at his ferocious best while trying to motivate his team in the playoffs. Yet his trash-talking side took everyone by surprise. Yes, Mike Malone is the certified trash talker of the Nuggets. Some of his barbs are legendary like his ?put it in a pipe and smoke it” remark. But did he take it too far with the Lakers, especially with LeBron, with whom he has had a relationship since his Cleveland days as Mike Brown?s assistant?

Nick Wright from the First Things First show, has a hilarious take on Mike Malone, who is trying to deflect the after-effects of his last season comments. Nick compares Mike Malone?s attitude with that of a high school student who did some mischief the previous year and was never to be seen since then. The same is the case with the Denver Nuggets coach. The off-season does not wipe off his past comments on the Lakers?and in LeBron particular. Neither he can get away by saying that “it was four months ago, and if they are thinking about us, it is on them.”

Lakers v Nuggets on Opening Night

On the 25th of October, the regular NBA season begins with the Lakers facing the Nuggets to repeat the semi-conference contention from last season. Anthony Davis is already leading the charge for the Lakers. He is accusing the Nuggets of being disrespectful. Which they were, especially in their raucous celebrations. The Nuggets are strategically deflecting the oncoming heat, but it is far from over.

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The two title contenders going at each other on the very first day of the season will be definite fireworks. And regardless of whoever wins the game, this rivalry is only going to build on from here.

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