Michael Malone Sounds Off On Nikola Jokic And Jamal Murray After Nuggets-Knicks Game

Michael Malone spoke about Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic after Monday's loss.

May 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) look on during a free throw against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game three of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images / Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

On Monday night, the Denver Nuggets got blown out on their home floor by the New York Knicks (145-118).

After the game, head coach Michael Malone publicly challenged his two best players (h/t DNVR Nuggets).

Reporter: "Do you look to your leaders in that situation? Your leaders on the court."

Malone: "Russell Westbrook, he's vocal, but we need more than Russell Westbrook. I need Nikola Jokic. I need Jamal Murray. I need guys that have been here in that starting lineup to be vocal. Tonight, we got embarrassed."

Michael Malone after the Nuggets' 145-118 loss to the Knicks:

"I need Nikola Jokic. I need Jamal Murray. I need guys that have been here in that starting lineup to be vocal." pic.twitter.com/FWCXMqBUXM

— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) November 26, 2024

Malone is one of the best in the NBA and has been at the helm for both Murray and Jokic's entire career.

Therefore, they will likely respect and respond to the challenge from their NBA Champion head coach.

Jun 15, 2023; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone hugs center Nikola Jokic (15) during the championship parade after the Denver Nuggets won the 2023 NBA Finals. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Jokic finished the loss with 22 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and one steal.

Murray put up 20 points, four rebounds, seven assists and one steal.

Michael Malone calls out starters after the blowout loss to the Knicks.

"I need Nikola Jokic. I need Jamal Murray. I need guys that have been here in that starting lineup to be vocal."

Malone frustrated that they're having to talk about effort just 16 games into the season. pic.twitter.com/QNKJj54lnX

— Rachel Strand (@MileHighRachel) November 26, 2024

The Nuggets also struggled to contain the Knicks in any way on the defensive end.

Via Knicks PR: "The Knicks have tied a franchise record with 45 assists tonight at Denver."

The Knicks have tied a franchise record with 45 assists tonight at Denver.

— NY Knicks PR (@NY_KnicksPR) November 26, 2024

With the loss, the Nuggets fell to 9-7 in their first 16 games, which has them as the eighth seed in the Western Conference.

They are 5-4 in the nine games they have played at home in Denver.

Jamal Murray after the Nuggets' 145-118 loss to the Knicks:

"They played harder...I'm glad it happened this early and not later in the season. That's the way it goes sometimes." pic.twitter.com/D9n5Q9oOWb

— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) November 26, 2024

As for the Knicks, they improved to 10-7 in their first 17 games, which has them as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.

They are 5-5 in ten games on the road.

Michael Malone:

“Russell Westbrook, he’s vocal, but we need more than Russ. I need Nikola Jokic. I need Jamal Murray. I need guys that have been here in that starting lineup to be vocal.”

(via @MileHighRachel, h/t @ClutchPoints) pic.twitter.com/4ErBhKWbxr

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) November 26, 2024