Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone has called out his players for their poor fitness levels after losing their third straight preseason game on Sunday against the Phoenix Suns (118-114).
Malone was frustrated with his team’s lackluster perimeter defense, arguably the main reason why the Phoenix Suns went 23-for-50 from three-point range, compared to the Denver Nuggets going 12-for-36.
“We dominated the glass, dominated the paint, but got our (butt) kicked from 3,” Malone said via Bennett Durando of The Denver Post. “To give up 37 points in that third quarter was embarrassing. So we have a lot of work to do. That’s what preseason’s for. (On Monday) we’ll watch a lot of film.”
“I don’t think we’re in great condition right now, and that’s one thing we talked about as coaches during the game. Looked like some guys are just winded and a little tired out there. So that’s something that we can try to improve upon,” he added.
The Phoenix Suns didn’t play Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. Ryan Dunn, Monte Morris, and Bol Bol combined for 54 points and made at least four three-pointers each, which made the win worse for the Denver Nuggets.
Denver Nuggets has two more games on the schedule
Nikola Jokic remains the brightest spot for the Denver Nuggets, as he has been their leading scorer in their past three preseason matches.
The three-time league MVP flirted with a triple-double against Phoenix, having recorded 21 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists on 9-of-16 shooting from the field.
Michael Porter Jr. and Julian Strawther also had 21 points for the Denver Nuggets, with the latter coming off the bench.
Michael Malone and co. have two more preseason games against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves to whip his boys into tip-top shape.
