The Denver Nuggets’ inconsistent start to the season continues to spark frustration, even among their stars. After a commanding victory over LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, Jamal Murray’s team faltered on Monday night, suffering a crushing 145-118 defeat to the New York Knicks.
Nikola Jokic, who has already expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s performance this season, was joined by Murray in voicing concerns. Speaking at the post-game press conference, Murray criticized the team’s lack of focus on winning. He even claimed that the team’s struggles are not due to coaching or strategy but rather a lack of effort on the court.
“It’s a long season. Guys have lives outside of basketball. We just beat LA in LA. We’ve got some guys who live in LA, so stayed in LA. And like I said, I just don’t think the focus was there from everybody, and that’s what happens when you don’t have the focus. Like I said, it’s not on the coach; it’s not on the plays we’re running; it’s not on anybody else but the guys who are out there on the court,” Murray said.
“Like I said, it’s a tough one to go back and watch or even accept, but it was expected that’s the kind of energy the whole team will bring to start the game and continuously not have a response,” he added.
Knicks Coach Michael Malone Calls for More Leadership from Nuggets Starters
Following the Denver Nuggets’ disappointing loss to the New York Knicks, coach Michael Malone expressed frustration with his team’s performance, particularly his starters’ lack of vocal leadership. Malone singled out the need for his key players to step up and take responsibility.
“Russell Westbrook, he’s vocal, but we need more than Russ. I need Nikola Jokic, I need Jamal Murray, I need guys that have been here in that starting lineup to be vocal,” Malone said.
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Despite the coach’s remarks, the Nuggets saw notable contributions from their stars. Russell Westbrook led the team with 27 points, while Jokic and Murray added 22 and 20 points, respectively. However, their individual performances were not enough to overcome OG Anunoby, who had a game-high 40 points against Denver.
