Nuggets
Coach Michael Malone issued a stern warning about the Nuggets’ defensive shortcomings, emphasizing that without improvements on that end of the floor, their playoff aspirations could be short-lived.
In comments reported by Bennett Durando of the Denver Post, Malone made it clear that defense is a critical focus for the team moving forward.
“If we’re going to be a team that is serious about making the postseason and being a team that can win a round, win another round,” Malone said, “if we don’t start defending for four quarters, we’re never gonna get that opportunity.”
The Nuggets boast one of the league’s most potent offenses, ranking third in points per game. However, their defensive numbers paint a stark contrast. Denver ranks 24th in the league in points allowed, giving up 116.7 per game.
They also sit in the middle of the pack in defensive field goal percentage and rank 21st in defending the 3-point shot. Additionally, they are among the league’s worst in forcing turnovers, placing in the bottom 10.
As the postseason approaches, Malone’s message is clear: the Nuggets must tighten up defensively or risk an early exit.
Heat
The Heat’s struggles continued on Monday with a 21-point loss to the Knicks, marking their eighth consecutive defeat. It’s the first time since Erik Spoelstra became head coach in 2008 that the Heat have endured such a lengthy losing streak, according to Chris Herring of ESPN.
“We’re all getting tested, including myself,” Spoelstra said. “No one’s absolved from this. I’ve not come up with enough answers for this team. I have to do a better job. Our group has to do a better job.”
Spoelstra acknowledged Miami’s need to dig deeper.
“We have to put our feet into the dirt and hold our ground at this point. You always have a choice. It doesn’t mean you’re going to win, necessarily,” he said. “But (you at least have) to make some strides. And you could see that in some of the losses over the last three weeks, where it felt like we were making strides. The last two games haven’t felt like that.”
The Heat, a franchise that has enjoyed sustained success under Spoelstra, find themselves in uncharted territory. Miami is now 10 games below .500 for the first time since 2017 and has been held under 100 points in three consecutive games for the first time since 2018.
“We’re going through the dark days right now,” said forward Jaime Jaquez. “As a team, right now we’ve got to come together and find a way to fight. It’s something we’ve been talking about. We just need to find something to rally around.”
76ers
Quentin Grimes continues to make an impact for the 76ers since his trade deadline acquisition, delivering another standout performance in a tough overtime loss to the Rockets on Monday.
The combo guard erupted for a career-high 46 points and added a career-best 13 rebounds. Since joining the Sixers, Grimes has now scored 30 or more points in five games, showcasing his offensive prowess.
“It’s cool,” Grimes said in an interview with Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey. “But I had a costly turnover that cost us the game late in the fourth. I have to be better in those situations, probably on the ball, try to get fouled. It’s cool and all, but we probably should have just ended the game, ended it with a win.”
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