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Michael Malone goes BERSERK and rushes referee over controversial foul call in Nuggets blowout game

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Joseph Varghese | Last updated 5/7/24

In today’s game 2 of the playoffs, from the very first few possessions the Denver Nuggets knew that they would have to fight for everything. Such was the physical domination from the Minnesota Timberwolves that the Nuggets were being bullied. One such play seemingly made Michael Malone furious, and he ran onto the court and rushed the referee and argued about a non-call.

With almost 3 minutes to go in the 1st quarter, Karl Anthony-Towns was up against Jamal Murray in the low post. In his first attempt to get to the rim, the big man did end up hitting Murray with his elbows. However, no foul was called. Then on his second attempt, Anthony-Towns drove to the rim and bumped down Murray. Still, no foul call came even though Murray was in a position to take the charge. Then on the next possession, Anthony Edwards went to the rim bumping Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the floor.

Watching all this, Michael Malone had enough and called a time-out. He walked onto the court and started yelling at referee Marc Davis, inches off his face, about the no-calls. Thankfully his players came over and pulled him away as they know how hot-headed their coach can get.

MICHAEL MALONE GETS IN THE REFS FACE.

pic.twitter.com/RB3WVm8gRO
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 7, 2024

It was also to Malone’s benefit that Davis kept his head level and did not issue a technical foul. It seems the sheer physicality of the Minnesota Timberwolves had overpowered Malone’s players. They had no answer and struggled throughout the game eventually losing to trail the playoff series 0-2.

Michael Malone has to solve the Timberwolves headache

Michael Malone is one of the best head coaches in the league. It is not only because of the Denver Nuggets winning the NBA Championship last year, but also because of the way he has developed his group of players to become the best. Now his coaching ability will be put to the test in the upcoming road games.

His primary concern will be to figure out how to enable his players to beat the full-court trap the Minnesota Timberwolves as applying. They will also need to speed up their movements to get open. Going one-on-one is not the best tactic against the long and gritty players on the other side. Ultimately, Malone has to motivate his bench to provide some relief to his starters.

If Michael Malone can incorporate these things, there is still a chance that the Denver Nuggets could turn things around. Otherwise, they will likely face the same result the Timberwolves’ 1st round opponents faced.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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