Stephen A. Smith Blasts Nuggets’ Michael Malone Over ‘Disrespectful’ Postgame Move

Andy Nesbitt | May 20, 2024

Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone didn't like a reporter's question after Game 7. /

Michael Malone and the Denver Nuggets had their season come to an end on Sunday night with a stunning, 98-90, Game 7 loss at home to Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The stunning part wasn't the result, as Minnesota is a very good team, but it was how it happened, with the defending champs blowing a 20-point lead in the second half.

Malone had a tense moment after the game when he didn't like a reporter's question about coughing up such a big lead. The Nuggets coached dropped a F-bomb and called the reporters inquiry a "stupid-ass" question.

Stephen A. Smith called out Malone for his actions during Monday morning's First Take on ESPN:

Stephen A. Smith calls out Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone for "disrespectful" reaction to reporter pic.twitter.com/EKwT4OVSSW

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 20, 2024

Smith is absolutely right. Malone shouldn't have had a problem answering a very normal question from the reporter. The way he chose to handle it was not a good look at all for the coach.

While the Nuggets are done for the year, the Timberwolves will host the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Wednesday night.