Michael Malone Says The Nuggets Need To Act Like Champions After Being Embarrassed In Game 2

After being blown out in epic fashion in Game 2, the Denver Nuggets find themselves completely exposed as they head back to Minnesota with an 0-2 deficit. In a chat with the media on Wednesday, head coach Michael Malone revealed the conversation he had with the guys after their crushing loss and said their reaction to the adversity was something he hadn't seen since he was first hired as the coach. 

“I was disappointed with our reaction to the adversity," said Malone via Harrison Wind. "I haven’t seen that in my nine years here. As things got tough, we fell apart and separated. I reminded our guys today. ‘Fellas we’re the reigning world champions.' Act like it and play like it.’”

The Denver Nuggets came into the postseason as the overwhelming favorites to come out of the West. After impressively winning the championship last year, they carried over their dominance into this campaign and were nearly able to secure the number-one seed for the second straight season.

Despite their confidence and first-round domination over the Lakers, the Nuggets have completely collapsed after just two games against the Timberwolves. While the first game was close to the end, Game 2 was a huge disaster for the Nuggets, who got punked and embarrassed on their home court.

Amid their 26-point loss, in which they only scored 80 through four quarters, the Nuggets let their frustration slip in various ways, by arguing with the refs and even throwing a heating pad out onto the court.

The behavior was unbecoming of NBA champions, and their total loss of composure is a sign that they have no answers on how to respond to the Timberwolves' stifling defense. The only good news is that the Nuggets don't play again until Friday, so they still have some time to figure out an effective game plan and Michael alone says he's still confident his team can bounce back.

"33 teams have come back from 0-2," said Malone. "Five or six teams have done that after losing the first two at home. Reggie Jackson was a part of one of those. So is it possible? yes, history says it's possible. We were down twice in the bubble 3-1."