DENVER — The Denver Nuggets’ Coach, Michael Malone, has chosen to sideline all five of his key players for the team’s matchup against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday evening. This decision comes after an intense double-overtime battle against the Minnesota Timberwolves, which ended in a close 140-139 loss on Tuesday night.
This exhausting game has influenced Malone’s strategy to give his stars, including Nikola Jokic, a rest day. Jokic delivered a career-high performance, scoring an impressive 61 points against the Timberwolves. Following the heart-wrenching defeat, Malone communicated to Jokic—who is nursing elbow and ankle issues—that he would not participate in the game against the Spurs, which was scheduled less than a day later.
Other Nuggets’ team members facing the sidelines include Christian Braun, who also battled through 53 minutes against Minnesota despite a foot ailment. Additionally, Aaron Gordon is out with a calf injury, Jamal Murray with a hamstring issue, and Michael Porter Jr. is attending to family obligations, having already missed the previous night’s game.
In a pre-game statement, Malone expressed that the team’s identity extends beyond their top starters. He emphasized that the spirit and culture of the Nuggets permeate throughout the entire locker room. “The players we have will have to display Denver Nuggets basketball tonight,” Malone stated. “Our resolve and preparation aim for victory, regardless of who is playing. Although it won’t be an easy task, we are prepared to face the Spurs competitively.”
Historically, Jokic has often contested Malone’s decisions to rest him, but this time the coach was firm in his approach. Malone mentioned, “Upon reviewing the minutes he played, it was clear that resting was necessary. After the tax of back-to-back games, I directly informed him, ‘You’re sitting out tomorrow.’ This time the decision wasn’t open to debate, being a coach’s call.” Malone noted that Jokic was accepting of the situation.