The sense of urgency in Michael Malone’s voice contradicted Denver’s comfortable No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
With 17 games remaining and a healthy six-game barrier between the Nuggets and the No. 8-seeded Clippers, the Nuggets’ coach wouldn’t even concede Monday that a playoff spot was secure.
He was too focused on correcting all that had gone wrong in Friday’s humbling loss at Golden State, and really, the bad habits that have plagued the (43-22) Nuggets since February’s All-Star break. At issue: selfish play, forcing contested shots, turnovers.
“Showed 13 clips today,” Malone said. “I told the guys before we watched them, said, ‘If anybody in here is sensitive, get up and leave now.