The Los Angeles Lakers were looking to level the Western Conference Finals series against the Denver Nuggets. However, the hosts came from behind and seized a 108-103 win and a subsequent 2-0 series lead. At the heart of the win was Jamal Murray‘s 37 point-display. He netted 23 of his 37 points in the last quarter. Centerpiece Nikola Jokic showed his class with yet another triple-double display. Having gained an edge over the 17x-NBA champions, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone went all guns blazing at the LA side shortly after the game.
Michael Malone has got an immense problem with the Western Conference Finals narratives that place LeBron James’ team at the center. Apparently, Malone bashed these narratives after the recent win. However, the NBA fandom is not so pleased with the Denver coach’s tirade.
Michael Malone bashes the narratives on LeBron James’ team
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The Denver Nuggets have undoubtedly shown absolute dominance in home court against the mighty LeBron James and co. Besides, Nikola Jokic is having the best of times now as he recorded his 13th post-season triple-double in Game 2. When it comes to Game 1, Nikola Jokic had rendered a solo show. Though Jokic is recording back-to-back triple doubles and thoroughly outplaying his opponents, coach Michael Malone feels that the Joker does not get the attention he deserves.
According to the 51-year-old, the whole world is busy talking about the Lakers, despite his team outsmarting them. Malone expressed his anger at this trend of putting LeBron James and Co in the center of every other discussion.
“You win Game 1 of the playoffs and all everybody talked about was the Lakers. Let’s be honest, the national narrative was, hey, the Lakers are fine. They’re down one, they will figure something out. Nobody talked about Nikola who just had a historic performance,” Malone said in a post-game interview.
“You win Game 1 of the playoffs, and all anyone talked about was the Lakers. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.”
-Michael Malone 😭 pic.twitter.com/Vy25dolClu
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) May 19, 2023
He went on to adulate Jokic’s 13th triple-double performance. “The narrative wasn’t about the Nuggets. The narrative wasn’t about Nikola. The narrative was about the Lakers. You know, you put that in your pipe and smoke it and you come back,” the Denver coach added. A snippet of Malone’s tirade is now viral on Twitter after the handle ‘LakeShowYo’ tweeted the same. Malone’s outrage, however, is not sitting well with fans.
Fans make a mockery of Michael Malone’s outrage
Most fans on Twitter seem to be unfazed even after hearing Michael Malone’s harsh words. Given the fact that the ongoing series is far from over, certain fans are also calling out Malone for firing shots after winning two games.?“Dude bragging already lol. You haven?t won a single championship ever?how you brag,” said a fan.
Dude bragging already lol🤣🤣You haven’t won a single championship ever…how you brag🤷🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️😏
— Slidebig LLC (@slideville) May 19, 2023
A fan mocks the Denver coach.
was he picked on as a kid
— Mortgage Pro (@MortgageSense83) May 19, 2023
This fan issued a warning to Michael Malone.
That quote will be on the Lakers board in their dressing room. Just keep quiet and win.. don’t piss off Lebron. Lol
— Mycollectables (@My_Collectables) May 19, 2023
More fans ridicule Malone.
Mikey is hurt for some reason. Insanely insecure.
— hoops (@ihearthoopz) May 19, 2023
Malone surely has given the fans a chance to showcase their sense of humor and creativity.
LAKERS IN 6 pic.twitter.com/3EWkS5WUTB
— ish (@ishfromtwitt3r) May 19, 2023
This fan doesn’t like the Nuggets to begin with.
@Godfather_JS How unlikeable are the Nuggets? Starting be like the Grizzlies.
— Tyler McFarland (@DaddyTmac) May 19, 2023
As unfazed as one can be:
Lakers in 6 pic.twitter.com/IuIypys4Jn
— SixersShowYo (@SixersShowYo) May 19, 2023
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Malone has undoubtedly triggered the Laker nation.
Oh trust we can’t wait to smoke you at home!
— E.P. the Dreamer (@EPtheDreamer) May 19, 2023
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Do you agree with coach Michael Malone’s comments on the WCF narratives? Will the Lakers make a comeback against the Nuggets in the upcoming games? Share your views in the comments below!
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