April 25th news, in the Western Conference playoffs first round, the Denver Nuggets hold a 2-0 lead against the Los Angeles Lakers. Before Game 3, Nuggets’ head coach Michael Malone made some intriguing comments during a press conference: “I prefer us trailing at halftime rather than leading by too much. It’s less harmful but very provocative!”
Last season, in the Western Conference Finals, the Nuggets swept the Lakers 4-0, with the dynamic duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray overwhelming LeBron James and Anthony Davis. In the first two games of this series, the Lakers have been decisively outplayed by the Nuggets. In the last game, despite leading by as much as 20 points in the third quarter, the Lakers’ advantage was steadily eroded by Denver’s barrage of three-pointers. Ultimately, a clutch mid-range jumper by Murray over Davis sealed the game, severely dampening the Lakers’ morale.
During today’s media session, a reporter asked Malone: “Why do I feel more confident about your team when you’re behind at halftime compared to when you’re significantly ahead?”
Malone replied, “History tells you that when you have a big lead, there’s a tendency to relax. We tend to abandon everything that got us the lead. When trailing by 20 points, there’s a sense of urgency, desperation, and hunger.
It’s quite apparent, especially in how we adjust our defense between halves… It’s not just adjustments.
I prefer having a halftime lead without digging ourselves into a hole, like what happened in Games 1 and 2. My 89-year-old father says he gets nervous when we are ahead, so I hope to lead but not by too much.”
Another reporter asked, “How many times have you watched Murray’s game-winner?”
Malone said, “I’ve probably watched it five times, each time it excites me… Not just because of the shot itself, but the reaction. I saw assistant coach David Adelman jumping into the air, Dan Shimensky bouncing around like a 2-year-old. The bench’s reaction, and even the fans who couldn’t see the play directly as they were watching it on the big screen above the court, it’s bizarre. It happens right in front of you, but you have to look up to see it, yet it was a fantastic shot.”
Netizens commented variously: “Can’t argue with a win, whatever you say goes.”
“Talk is cheap, let’s see you continue this in the next game. I don’t believe you can turn it around every time.”
“Games 3 and 4 are at the Lakers’ home court. Let’s see if you can keep trailing by 20 points.”
“Like being behind? Next time start 30 points down.”
“When we beat the Nuggets by 20, we didn’t talk so much, did we?”
“Always stay humble, your arrogance might just come back to bite you.”