Nuggets HC Mike Malone confronts reporters over Jokic's unfair coverage / News - Basketnews.com

Mike Malone said the journalists created silly narratives so they avoid giving Nikola Jokic the respect he deserves. Asked what he's proven to him, he answered 'nothing', and that only the media saw that Jokic is real.

Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix Credit Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix

The Denver Nuggets swept the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Final, earning a spot in the NBA Finals. After the contest, the winning team's coach wanted to directly address the journalists in the post-game press conference.

3-pointers this season

38%11,9Points made:11,9Accuracy:38,0%Place in standings:17Record max:20Record min:4Most made 3FGs:Michael Porter Jr.TeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

Nikola Jokic is only the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double through multiple series during the playoffs. So far, he's registered averages of 29.9 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 10.3 assists. Only Jason Kidd managed to achieve triple-double averages (14.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, 10.9 assists) in more than a single series in 2007.

Asked what the Joker has proven, Nuggets head coach Mike Malone addressed the journalists who, to his mind, created unwanted narratives around the player just to not give him recognition.

"For me, he hasn't proven anything. Why do I say that? Because I already know he's a great player," Malone said. "I think he's shown other people nationally that he's real, what he's doing is real. The MVPs are real, the triple-doubles are real, all the silly narratives this year are just that - silly and somewhat ignorant."

"I think Nikola has gone through three rounds now where he's averaging a triple-double in the playoffs. Have you seen any stat padding out there? I'm serious — enough with the silliness," he interrupted the laughs in the press conference room. "The guy is a great player, give him his damn respect. Stop chopping him down at his knees. He's a great player, and give him the respect he deserves."

It was the first playoff sweep in the franchise's history. At the same time, it is the first time the Nuggets have reached the NBA Finals.

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