The Athletic NBA Daily: Michael Malone Out in Denver + Thunder Get Revenge on Lakers
Release Date: April 9, 2025
In this episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni delve into two major NBA storylines: the Denver Nuggets' unexpected decision to part ways with Coach Michael Malone and Calvin Booth, and the Oklahoma City Thunder's satisfying revenge against the Los Angeles Lakers. Featuring insights from award-winning reporters Andrew Schlecht and Adam Mares, the episode provides a comprehensive analysis of recent developments in the league.
Thunder vs. Lakers: A Game of Revenge and High-Octane Offense
The episode kicks off with a recap of the Thunder's recent victory over the Lakers, highlighting the intense gameplay and significant events that shaped the outcome.
Luka Doncic’s Ejection: Andrew Schlecht provides a detailed account of Luka Doncic's ejection from the game. At [03:14], he explains the confusion surrounding the incident:
"It was Luka was talking to a fan... there was confusion as to what actually happened. It was a fan that was heckling players every single game."
This ejection was a turning point in the game, leading to a shift in momentum. Schlecht notes that the lack of Doncic on the court influenced the Thunder's strategy and performance:
"Jeremy got the victory over Luka tonight." ([04:00])
Offensive Explosion: The game was marked by an unprecedented level of shooting, especially from beyond the arc. Host 3 remarks at [04:12]:
"The shot making throughout the first half was just absurd. It was something like 80% on threes for the first half between these two teams."
This offensive prowess mirrored the Lakers' earlier performance, suggesting a strategic matchup that both teams struggled to contain. The hosts discuss how the Thunder capitalized on defensive weaknesses:
"The Lakers just thrive on getting paint touches and spraying out to the corner, which I think is probably the biggest weakness for the Thunder defense." ([04:42])
Impact of Physicality and Strategic Adjustments: As the game progressed, the Thunder increased their physicality, which played a crucial role in their comeback. Schlecht highlights the tactical changes:
"Shay Gilbert Alexander coming in the game... he had 42 points tonight." ([06:47])
The Thunder's defensive intensity, including multiple steals and fast breaks, contributed significantly to their victory. This strategic shift was pivotal in overcoming the Lakers' offensive threats.
Matchup Analysis: The hosts delve into whether the Lakers pose a significant threat in the postseason, considering their high three-point shooting rates and versatile ball-handling. Schlecht provides a nuanced perspective:
"I do think this is probably one of the tougher matchups for them in the Western Conference... having three ball handlers makes it particularly challenging." ([08:38])
He further contemplates the sustainability of the Lakers' shooting performances and the Thunder's ability to adapt:
"What does it look like when that settles down to like a 39 from three?" ([08:38])
The discussion underscores the complexity of the Thunder-Lakers rivalry and its implications for future matchups.
Denver Nuggets: Firing of Michael Malone and Calvin Booth
In a surprising organizational shift, the Denver Nuggets announced the termination of Head Coach Michael Malone and the decision not to extend the contract of Assistant Coach Calvin Booth. This segment, featuring insights from Adam Mares of DNVR, explores the ramifications of these changes.
Unexpected Firings: Adam Mares reflects on the timing and reasons behind the Nuggets' decision at [18:09]:
"This was something that I fully expected in the off-season... they were not going to make a deep playoff run."
He suggests that internal conflicts and a perceived stagnation in team performance may have driven the organization to make abrupt changes:
"There was a huge conflict between him and Calvin Booth... that strain behind closed doors seeped out emotionally into the fabric of the organization." ([21:13])
Impact on Team Dynamics: The hosts discuss the potential consequences of losing key leadership amid a critical season. Mares expresses skepticism about the decision's effectiveness:
"This is not something that I think is a genius move... it's a last-ditch move." ([23:47])
He elaborates on the challenges Denver faces without Malone, especially concerning team depth and future coaching prospects:
"Tommy Balchis has been around for 10 years... whoever they bring in has to hit the ground running." ([25:28])
Jamal Murray’s Injury Concerns: The future of star guard Jamal Murray is also under scrutiny. Mares addresses speculation about Murray's availability for the playoffs:
"I think there's a chance we might see him in the next three games... I don't think this is a thing that the Nuggets are saying." ([19:07])
He emphasizes that the firing is likely unrelated to Murray's injury, attributing it more to long-term organizational strategy and internal conflicts.
Future Prospects and Organizational Direction: Looking ahead, hosts and Mares discuss the Nuggets' potential paths, including possible roster changes and the search for new leadership. Mares underscores the urgency Denver faces:
"We are in win-now mode and whatever it takes year after year after year for the next several to get this thing done." ([25:28])
He also highlights Nikola Jokic's pivotal role and the challenges the organization will face in maintaining competitive performance without consistent coaching stability.
Additional NBA Highlights
The episode briefly touches on Giannis Antetokounmpo's remarkable performance and the Milwaukee Bucks' resurgence:
"Giannis Antetokounmpo has had a ridiculous season... as long as Giannis is healthy, the Bucks can win a playoff series." ([11:35])
This segment celebrates Giannis's continued dominance and its impact on the Bucks' playoff prospects, reinforcing his status as one of the league's premier players.
Conclusion
The episode of The Athletic NBA Daily offers an in-depth analysis of pivotal NBA moments, focusing on the Thunder's strategic victory over the Lakers and the Denver Nuggets' significant coaching changes. With expert commentary from Andrew Schlecht and Adam Mares, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the current NBA landscape, the intricacies of team dynamics, and the implications of organizational decisions as teams gear up for the postseason.