“You Don’t Stop A Guy Like Jalen Brunson”: Coach Malone Floored By KCP, Shouts ex-Laker Out For All-NBA Honors

The Nuggets had defeated the Knicks 113-100 tonight and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope showcased a brilliant performance. The last time they met, New York crushed Nikola Jokić and Co. 122-84, a blowout 38-point loss! But this time, Pope ensured that he kept Knicks superstar, Jalen Brunson, in check. In awe of this, Coach Michael Malone couldn’t keep the amazement out of his voice in the post-game presser.

Talking to reporters after the game, Malone said, “You don’t stop a guy like Jalen Brunson; I mean, he had two 40-point games on this road trip. But I thought he made him work for everything tonight… He [Pope] goes out there and does his job every single night … and that’s why we call him first team, cus’ he’s a First Team NBA All-Defender in our eyes.”

It’s safe to say that Coach Malone was mind-blown with the ex-Laker. The Nuggets are 46-18 with Caldwell-Pope on the floor, and the 2x champion is averaging 9.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, shooting 44.7% from the field. Those are some pretty neat numbers for a 10-year veteran guard. The fact that he held Brunson to 11-of-23 field goals also speaks volumes about his defensive acumen.

The Knicks All-Star guard finished the night with 26 points, nine assists, and two rebounds. But he admitted that despite playing hard, they failed to get the job done. New York finished their West road trip 3-1 with tonight’s loss.

Coach is impressed by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope & Porter Jr.

While Malone gave Kentavious Caldwell-Pope his due flowers, the 52-year-old Nuggets coach offered to pay for Michael Porte Jr.’s visit to Cabo whenever he wished. Porter has been on a roll since he went on an impromptu vacation to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico during the All-Star break.

He’s averaged 21.1 points on 56.7% shooting from the field and 43.9% from beyond the arc since the All-Star Weekend. Compared to his regular season averages of 17.1 points, 49.3% field goals, and 40.3% of threes, Malone’s offer would make sense. Tonight too, he finished with a game-high 31 points along with eight rebounds.

He was a perfect two-of-two from the free throw line while his three triples totaled 193 for the season. And with that number, Porter Jr. broke Dale Ellis’ record (1996-97) for most three-pointers in a season. Well, there is no doubt that Malone has some of the best veterans and young hoopers focused on the ultimate prize. It wouldn’t be a surprise if they win it all in the Finals either.

Read More: Michael Malone Gives KCP the Perfect Gift After Beating Lakers in a Room Full of Boisterous Nuggets