The series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets was sealed in Game 7 as the Wolves pulled off an incredible comeback victory. The Wolves rallied from a 20-point hole at halftime to win the game, overcoming the biggest halftime deficit in NBA history for a Game 7. They finished the series 4-3. This shocking defeat left Nuggets Head coach Mike Malone visibly agitated.

During a post-game interview, when asked about the difficulty of absorbing such a loss after being ahead by 20 points, Malone lashed out at a reporter. “Stupid a** questions,” he remarked. His comments sparked a lot of debate and Shannon Sharpe came out to ESPN to share his thoughts.

“Mike Malone, you was out of line,” says Sharpe

The Wolves’ remarkable victory marks the biggest comeback in a Game 7 over the last 25 postseasons. It also marks the largest playoff comeback in the Timberwolves’ franchise history. One can understand why Mike Malone felt bitter, the Nuggest were ahead by 20 points on their home court when this unexpected feat happened. When asked about the loss in an interview, he snapped. “Next question, man. The season’s over, that’s what’s hard. F**k being up 20. The season’s over, you don’t understand that. It’s hard.” He then muttered, “Stupid a** questions.” 

Naturally, his response garnered a lot of attention. Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, and Tim Legler weighed in on the incident on ESPN’s ‘First Take.’ Sharpe criticized Malone’s behavior. “Mike Malone’s going to have to learn. You have to handle disappointment and prosperity the exact same way,” said Sharpe. He even mocked Malone’s rude tone and his unpleasant answer. He continued, “I want you with your chest out like you were poking fun last year when everybody was talking about the Lakers. ‘Oh, they’re still talking about that, we’re the Champs,'” he said, imitating Malone. Sharpe referred to Malone’s harsh comments about the Nuggets victory over the Lakers earlier this season. Before the teams’ playoffs clash, the Nuggets coach had taunted them saying, “We swept them last year. We swept them this year.”

Shannon Sharpe wasn’t done. He went on to say, “Nobody likes to lose, but it’s a part of it. I thought he handled it totally wrong, and he should apologize to the reporter. I understand when emotions are high, logic is low, but Mike Malone, you were out of line on this one. I’m totally disappointed.” And his co-hosts, Stephen Smith and Tim Legler agreed. All of them felt that the reporter deserved an apology. Malone is not the only one who did not receive the loss well.

“I think we’re the better team,” says Christian Braun

Following the loss, the team is grappling with a mixture of frustration, disappointment, and introspection. Christian Braun’s reaction expressed that he was still confident about the team. “It sucks,” Braun said. “Because I think we’re the better team.” However, Nikola Jokic disagreed wth his teammate. Jokic said, “I don’t believe in that. “I think the team who wins is the better team. You have seven games, or a best-of-seven, so if someone beats you, I think they’re the better team.” He admitted respect for his opponent and their play and recognized their achievement with honesty.

Coach Malone felt that maybe fatigue had started to factor in. “I think mentally, emotionally, physically, guys are gassed. They’re dead tired. They gave me everything I could ever ask for,” Malone said. However, Jamal Murray did not agree with his Head Coach at all. Murray said, “I’m not worried about being tired. I’ve been playing in Denver for eight years now. I’m used to the altitude and used to finding my second wind. That doesn’t even make sense. I’m playing the game. I played 42 minutes; Ant played 43.” The contradicting sentiments between the coach and his team definitely raise some concerns.

Now with the off-season, the team must focus on learning from this loss and identifying their weaknesses. Losses serve as revelations of gaps in the team and the gameplay. Their devastating departure raises important concerns about the team and highlights a need for change. The Denver Nuggets’ off-season starts now, what do you think is in store for them? Let us know in the comments below.