The newest victims of what appears to be an unending battle against NBA officials are center Nikola Jokic and head coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets.
Nuggets vs. Pistons
The Nuggets were at the top of their game earlier this month, having an impeccable record of 8-1, but after losing Jamal Murray to injuries, things have been sort of rocky without one of their foundations.
And before they knew it, they’d lost three out of their four last games, which is sort of a downer for the defending champions.
But, according to sources, Malone thinks their losses weren’t entirely their fault, and the numbers show it. The Nuggets have some of the lowest free throw attempts per game, and Jokic, in particular, only averages 6.2 throw attempts per game. And in their last two losses? The big man was only handed 10 free throws.
Regardless, they entered the game prepared, hoping for a change. Yet, early in the first half, the Nuggets’ coach and Jokic retreated to the locker room. In a pivotal moment during the first quarter, Pistons’ Livers and Nuggets’ Strawthers both lunged for the ball.
However, only Strawthers was penalized, frustrating Malone, who questioned the call on a ‘loose ball’. As the game resumed, Malone continued disputing with official Curtis Blair, earning two technical fouls for his fervent complaints. Fuming, Malone stormed off the court, muttering about the unjust decisions.
Next came Jokic. The 6’11” center was given a tech just five minutes into the game for a lane violation. In the second quarter, Jokic believed that one of the Pistons had fouled him but wasn’t flagged down.
He then complained to the ref for the lack of foul call and was, unfortunately, given a tech for doing so. And with that being his second foul, he too begrudgingly exited the court.
After witnessing the incidents on social media channels, the netizens rushed to Nuggets’ defense and asked why the officials wouldn’t call a foul, but were quick to eject someone as soon as they complained.
Jokic AND Malone both ejected in the 1st Half. Wow pic.twitter.com/QplWKQ40JF
— Nuggets World 🌎 (@NuggetsWorldd) November 21, 2023
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