Nuggets Coach Michael Malone 'Hates' Playing Magic
ORLANDO - The Denver Nuggets are one win away from an NBA championship against a team from the Sunshine State.
The Nuggets came to Florida and won both Games 3 & 4 to take a 3-1 series lead against the Miami Heat. The wins gave the Nuggets a 3-1 record in Florida this season, notching the two Finals wins, and the regular season victory against the Heat. However, there was one game the Nuggets didn't win in Florida, an early February affair against the Orlando Magic.
In both games this season, the Magic played the Nuggets well, and head coach Michael Malone acknowledged that in a run-in with Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero during Denver's trip to Miami.
“Hate to play against you guys," Malone told Banchero. "Everytime you play Orlando it’s a dogfight, everytime...”
The Magic gave the Nuggets a good fight in both of their meetings this year. Orlando nearly won the first meeting back on Jan. 15, but lost on a Nikola Jokic three just before the buzzer.
The Magic got revenge a few weeks later in Orlando, pulling out a 115-104 win against the Nuggets at Amway Center.
The Magic's success against the potential NBA champions this season is something Orlando should take and build with. It shows that Orlando isn't far off from where it wants to be and that it can compete against some of the NBA's best.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Magic? Click Here.
Follow The Magic Insider on Facebook.
Follow The Magic Insider on Twitter.
Want even more Orlando Magic news? Check out the SI.com team page here.
