Nuggets' Michael Malone rips 'soft' NBA as he questions team's preseason conditioning

Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone criticized his team for its lack of conditioning after a preseason game against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.

The Nuggets lost the game 118-114, but took issue with the team's effort and criticized the league for being “soft.”

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Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone watches the second half of an NBA preseason game against the Phoenix Suns Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

“I played that starting unit the whole third quarter to try to push their limits a little bit,” Malone said, via DNVR Nuggets. “It was probably a little tough for some of these guys. In practice, I think we can go up and down more.

“I think a lot of times as coaches and in the modern NBA, the league has become so soft. Everyone is afraid to condition and run. Well, we have to do it.”

Denver lost its fourth straight preseason game Tuesday night to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 124-94. The Nuggets will finish their preseason against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

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Phoenix Suns center Mason Plumlee, left, drives to the rim in front of Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic in the second half of an NBA preseason game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Malone isn't one to shy away from criticizing players' efforts in games. He notably tackled the NBA All-Star Game in 2023.

“It's an honor to be here. It's an honor to be part of a great weekend with great players. But this is the worst basketball game ever played,” Malone told the time, while acknowledging some of the guys for participating. hard.

Denver will still have a few days to prepare and prepare for the start of the regular season.

Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone leads his team in the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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The Nuggets begin the year on October 24 against the Thunder.

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