Denver’s Michael Malone Casts Evil Eye On LeBron After Lakers Star Reveals Mental Strategy In Playoff Game 1

LeBron James has no illusions about going into the matchup against the Denver Nuggets. The 4x champion has enough experience in the league to be realistic about the playoffs. He knows what Nikola Jokić and his crew are capable of. But he also knows what his strengths are as well as what his squad of determined Lakers can do. Despite the terrible season start that continued throughout the year, they managed to get back on track closer to the final days of the season.

Injuries marred the two superstars of the Purple & Gold and they were more often than not on the injury report. Yet, both Anthony Davis and James have played through it all to reach this stage. Talking to the media before the practice today, LBJ mentioned that the key to playing through the Nuggets was to not make it personal. “I’ve been in the postseason way too long in my career to know that you don’t get too high off of Game 1 or get too high over whoever the matchup is. You gotta just stay even-keeled,” he said.

They are going in with a game plan and as long as the team sees it through to the end, the chances of them emerging victorious are there. But hilariously enough, Denver’s coach Michael Malone seems to rely on hope going against the ‘Akron Hammer’.

Talking to the media at the practice press conference, he said, “It’s year 21, and the guy is getting better…I hope he gets tired. I hope he wears down. But I’ve seen no signs of LeBron James slowing down by any means”. Truer words were never spoken! He came into the league with lofty and heavy expectations on a young shoulder. The ‘kid from Akron’ achieved all that and more.

James became the first player in NBA history to pass the 40,000 mark. And that’s just the main course. The man was breaking records every other night like it was the most normal thing to do. Going into the accolades of the King would require another article, so let’s get back on track.

The Nuggets plan to win it all again

Malone was not hesitant to admit that now that they have won the championship, it’s hard to let it go. Even if it is “selfish,” they had no plans of giving up without a fight. And a fight it will be, a battle if you will. And under such circumstances, the Nuggets coach seems to not leave any stone unturned in their quest for a second straight ring.

Talking to the media, he emphasized focusing on the physicality and defensive transition as a major factor in this series. “A guy like LeBron who averages over five fast break points per game by himself; against us, that number jumps up to 6 and a half. So you don’t want to fuel the break,” Malone iterated.

He also mentioned how it was important to put as many bodies on Bron as possible. But even then, his impeccable passing will find open players to ensure the shots go down. While he stated incredulously that he wasn’t going to give up their game plan, Coach Malone did say that they would be coming into the matchup with at least three backup plans!

Clearly, they aren’t taking an opponent like the Lakers for granted.