The Cleveland Cavaliers are enjoying a successful run in the 2024-25 NBA season, positioning themselves as strong contenders. In a recent game, they defeated the Denver Nuggets with a score of 149-135, securing their sixth consecutive victory. The atmosphere was intense, especially for the Nuggets, who struggled to take the home-court advantage. Following the loss, head coach Michael Malone was visibly upset.
Malone expressed his disappointment following the defeat. In the post-game press conference, he voiced his frustration with the team’s defensive strategy, which he felt was inadequate against the Cavaliers’ aggressive offensive plays.
“Really, when you play them, there’s no margin for error. We had a play tonight off a dead ball where no one covered Sam Merrill. There were five guys on the court looking around at each other, not talking, and we left one of the best shooters wide open for a three. Then there was a loose ball—they get a three. They win the 50-50 battle. Those are the types of plays you have to prevent if you have any chance of beating that team because they’re playing at such a high level,” Malone said.
Michael Malone after the Nuggets' loss to the Cavs:
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) December 28, 2024
"They have shooting everywhere. Off the bench. Starting lineup…it's a challenge to guard the 3-point line against that team." pic.twitter.com/CVE7E4I2lV
After their recent loss, the Nuggets are in the 7th spot in the Western Conference standings. Additionally, they have recorded 16 wins and 13 losses in the 2024-25 NBA season. This challenging position highlights their need to improve performance to secure a better ranking as the season continues.
Michael Malone Praised The Cavaliers’ Exceptional Talent
Malone acknowledged the impressive talent on the Cavaliers’ roster. He praised their remarkable ability to convert three-point attempts. He noted that the Cavaliers utilized spacing effectively, making contesting shots difficult for the Nuggets.
“They lead the league in three-point attempts. That’s how that roster has been built. You look at their roster, and I think they have seven guys shooting over 40% from three. We have two. They have shooting everywhere—off the bench, in the starting lineup. They get threes in transition, off pick-and-rolls, and they have two dynamic rollers in Allen and Mobley. Donovan Mitchell had 25 points in the first half,” Malone said in the same interview.
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The Cavaliers are undoubtedly having a great run in the 2024-25 NBA season. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings shocked fans by firing head coach Mike Brown after a five-game losing streak. In a recent interview, Malone discussed the circumstances surrounding Brown’s dismissal
Also Read: Michael Malone Dismissed Patrick Beverley’s Entire Existence Over Blasting Nikola Jokic (VIDEO)
