Michael Malone's choice to keep Russell Westbrook in the starting lineup over Christian Braun after Aaron Gordon's return raises questions about Braun's motivation and the coach's strategy.

Michael Malone is highlighted as one of the two All-Star coaches who successfully led their teams to the NBA Finals in recent years. He guided the Denver Nuggets to their first championship in franchise history during the 2022-23 season, showcasing his ability to achieve success at the highest level.

Michael Malone defended Jamal Murray after his standout performance, emphasizing the undue pressure on him this season. He highlighted Murray's crucial role in the team's success and expressed confidence in his abilities, stating that the organization believes in him despite the criticism. Malone noted that Murray's recent play has been strong, averaging 21.9 points over the last 18 games, and he praised the excitement from the team for Murray's efficient scoring night.

Michael Malone expressed his concerns about facing short-handed teams, citing the challenge of unfamiliar players on the court. Despite his fears, the Nuggets secured a solid victory against the Nets, showcasing their resilience and depth. Malone emphasized the importance of not underestimating opponents, even when key players are absent, and highlighted the historical significance of Jokic and Westbrook's performances.

Michael Malone expressed his approval of Jokic's aggressive playstyle, highlighting his ability to score 41 points, grab 18 rebounds, and dish out 9 assists. Malone noted Jokic's confidence, especially in shooting three-pointers, and appreciated the one-on-one coverage he faced during the game.