Apr 1, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Lakers Legend Magic Johnson Reacts to Michael Malone Firing

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Farbod Esnaashari | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 4:18 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets shocked the NBA world on Tuesday afternoon when they fired both head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth.

In the case of Malone, it was far more shocking because he just won the team a championship in 2023 and was one game away from the Conference Finals in 2024. Regardless, Malone joined a list of shocking moments this season that included Luka Doncic being traded and Taylor Jenkins getting fired.

Among those shocked were Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson.

Via @MagicJohnson: "’ve been part of the NBA family for over 45 years and I’ve never seen a season like this! First, two superstars get traded in the middle of the regular season, Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, and now two coaches, Denver’s Michael Malone and the Grizzlies’s Taylor Jenkins, get fired before the end of the regular season and their teams have already secured a spot in the Playoffs."

I’ve been part of the NBA family for over 45 years and I’ve never seen a season like this! First, two superstars get traded in the middle of the regular season, Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, and now two coaches, Denver’s Michael Malone and the Grizzlies’s Taylor Jenkins, get…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 8, 2025

"This decision was not made lightly and was evaluated very carefully, and we do it only with the intention of giving our group the best chance at competing for the 2025 NBA Championship and delivering another title to Denver and our fans everywhere.The Denver Nuggets only have three games left in the regular season. The expectations for the team are massive as they have the best player in the NBA, Nikola Jokic, on the roster. It's hard to say how exactly firing the coach will galvanize the team, but that seems to be what the team is hoping for.

Reporting for NBA Today on arguably the most shocking in-season coach firing in league history with Nuggets dismissing Michael Malone – and players left surprised when informed: pic.twitter.com/kcR1MqAQBX
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 8, 2025

The Denver Nuggets have relieved Head Coach Michael Malone of his duties and will not extend General Manager Calvin Booth.

David Adelman will assume our head coaching role for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

Full Release: https://t.co/d176KtKK5w pic.twitter.com/dMYlxIqoCl
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 8, 2025

The pressure for the Nuggets to maximize Nikola Jokic's greatness has gotten even bigger.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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