Nuggets coach Mike Malone saw a « marked difference » in his team’s energy and approach on Saturday in Game 2, when Denver evened its series with the LA Clippers.
After a 23-point loss in Game 1, Denver Nuggets coach Mike Malone said his team had a completely new look and energy on Saturday as it bounced back to win Game 2 110-101 and even its playoff series with the LA Clippers. « I thought tonight we were a noticeably different team than we were in Game 1, » Malone said. « Our defense, our activity and the fact that we were willing to help each other. » Coming off a grueling seven-game first-round series with the Utah Jazz, the Nuggets showed clear signs of fatigue in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals after having only one day off. Although Denver center Nikola Jokic said he « wasn’t tired at all » following the opener, Malone acknowledged that there were some heavy legs, and guard Jamal Murray admitted that he was worn out from the previous series. « Game 1, we were tired. Hate to admit it, » Murray said in his postgame TNT interview. Murray played 40 minutes in Game 2, scoring 27 points on 10-of-21 shooting and registering six assists. He said not playing in the fourth quarter of Game 1 combined with having the day off Friday helped him in getting his legs back.
