Home

NBA

“Only Trash Talker…Is the Coach”: After Anthony Davis Gets His Warning Shunned, Veteran Analyst Slams Nikola Jokic’s 52YO Coach

Published 10/06/2023, 12:47 AM EDT

Follow Us

USA Today via Reuters

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

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.”

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Lakers v Nuggets on Opening Night

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

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.

Read Also: “If It’s up to Me, Absolutely”: Amid Clippers’ Fluctuating Interest in James Harden, Paul George Drops Major Hint on Future With Kawhi Leonard and Co.

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch This Story: “Lame Time as Usual”: Portland Fans Turn on Damian Lillard Hours Within Bucks Trade After His ‘I Could Never Be Replaced’ Release

 

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Vinod Pillai

118Articles

One take at a time

Vinod is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Having over six years of experience as a creative writer, he combines his passion for basketball with his love for journalism. Being an ardent fan of the NBA, he has been following & learning from reputed insiders & reporters such as Adrian Wojnarowski, Tim Legler, JJ Redick, Stephen A.
Show More>

Edited by:

Sameen Nawathe