Michael Malone frustrated with Lakers narrative, lack of Nuggets recognition / News - Basketnews.com

Michael Malone and Jamal Murray speak out that the media needs to acknowledge Denver Nuggets' success.

Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con - Scanpix Credit USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con - Scanpix

Following the Denver Nuggets'successful defense of their home court, seizing a 2-0 series lead against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, head coach Michael Malone expressed his frustration with the prevailing narratives surrounding his team.

Player of the Game EFF 38 Jamal Murray Points 37 Accuracy 11-24 Rebounds 10 Assists 5

"You win Game 1 of the playoffs, and all everybody talked about was the Lakers," Malone said after a 108-103 Game 2 win. "Let's be honest, that was a national narrative was that 'the Lakers were fine. They were down 1-0, but they figured something out.'

"No one talked about Nikola [Jokic] just had a historic performance. The narrative wasn't about the Nuggets; the narrative wasn't about Nikola. The narrative was about the Lakers and their adjustments. So, you put that in your pipe, you smoke it."

When questioned about any shift in the narrative, Malone expressed his indifference, stating that it didn't concern him.

"We know our narrative in that locker room," Malone said. "We know that we're not done; we haven't done anything yet. You got to win a game on the other team's home court if you really want to do something in a series, and we know how great that team is, especially on their home court."

The Nuggets guard, Jamal Murray, looked like the version of himself who gained fame in the 2020 playoffs with a 37-point performance at the Ball Arena on Thursday in Denver.

The 27-year-old star had a monster 4thround with 23 points, leaving only 1 point short of outscoring the entire Lakers team.

However, Jamal Murray's gigantic performance was unable to put a break to the potential 2023 Finals MVP's sentiments.

He echoed his frustration with the prevailing narrative surrounding the Lakers and the lack of recognition his team, the Nuggets, receives.

"We're the Denver Nuggets; we're used to that."

Denver Nuggets / Schedule

Denver Nuggets Miami Heat108-111 Miami Heat Denver Nuggets94-109 Miami Heat Denver NuggetsSat00:30 Denver Nuggets Miami HeatTue00:30 Miami Heat Denver Nuggets06-1600:30

"Even when we win, they talk about the other team. We beat the Clippers in the bubble; they talk about the other team," Murray threw a jab against his opponents in front of the media.

The Canadian believes that when the team eventually wins the championship, it will be even more satisfying due to the adversity they face in terms of recognition.

"Same old, same old. It fuels us a little more and will be sweeter when we win the chip."

Despite struggling with an ear infection, Murray played a crucial role, particularly in the fourth round, helping the Nuggets secure the victory. He jokingly mentioned that it would have been easier if he had performed better in the first half of the game.

"It would have been a lot easier if I had made them in the first half!" he said.

However, Murray never backed off from sharing the incredible opportunity he availed, competing against legendary LeBron James in the Western Conference finals.

"Playing in the Western Conference finals against the Lakers and LeBron James, it's an amazing opportunity, and it's something you're going to look back in history and remember for the rest of your life." Murray truthfully agrees in front of the world.

Nuggets' determination is evident through the truth bomb of Michael Malone, Nuggets HC, and the key member of the team, Jamal Murray.

And now Jokic and Murray-led Denver Nuggets have the opportunity to take a commanding 3-0 lead at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Besides Denver and Los Angeles, Miami, and Boston continue to fight for the Larry O'Brien Trophy, as observed by NBA championship odds.

Currently, Boston Celtics are the favorites against Miami Heat at -280, but fans are yet to see how the Celtics-Heat rivalry will play out in the end.

Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.