Denver Nuggets Suffer Historic Playoff Collapse in Game 7 Against Timberwolves, Leaving Coach Malone Fuming
The Denver Nuggets experienced a shocking exit from the 2024 NBA Playoffs on Sunday, blowing a commanding lead in Game 7 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite being in prime position to advance to the Western Conference Finals, the Nuggets fell apart, losing 112-107 after leading by as many as 20 points during the third quarter. The defeat left head coach Michael Malone visibly frustrated and disappointed.
Denver looked set for victory, heading into halftime with a 15-point lead, thanks to Jamal Murray’s 24 first-half points. However, the Timberwolves came roaring back in the second half, outscoring the Nuggets 60-37. Six Timberwolves players hit double digits, contributing to what became the biggest Game 7 comeback in NBA history. Minnesota will now face the Dallas Mavericks for the Western Conference title, while the Nuggets’ season came to a crushing end.
After the game, a visibly upset Michael Malone spoke to the media, struggling to comprehend his team’s dramatic collapse. When asked to describe his emotions, the 52-year-old coach didn’t hold back, delivering an expletive-filled response. “Next question, man. The season’s over. That’s what’s hard. F*ck being up 20. The season’s over. You don’t understand that. The season’s over, it’s hard,” Malone fumed, clearly exasperated.
As his frustration boiled over, Malone even lashed out at the reporter who asked the question, muttering “stupid a*s questions” into his microphone. Despite his anger, the coach praised his players for their effort, saying they were “gassed” and gave him “everything I could ever ask for.” He also insisted he would bow out of the playoffs “with my head held very high,” acknowledging the hard work his team put in throughout the season.
This defeat will undoubtedly haunt the Nuggets, as they let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers in what could be remembered as one of the most stunning collapses in NBA playoff history.
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