Dissecting Why Malone Was Fired and Gearing Up for a Wild End to the Regular Season
Apr 11, 2025
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The Timberwolves are on fire after a record-setting performance against the Grizzlies, showcasing both incredible shooting and defensive prowess. Ja Morant's new celebration sparked a fun debate about player expressions. The shock of Michael Malone’s firing opens discussions on the Nuggets' playoff potential—are they the biggest wild card now? With intense playoff races heating up, the hosts analyze key matchups and player impacts, highlighting the unpredictable nature of this season's playoffs.
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Quick takeaways
The Minnesota Timberwolves' record-setting 52-point third quarter against the Grizzlies showcases their offensive dominance heading into the playoffs.
The firing of Nuggets head coach Michael Malone highlights potential internal conflicts and raises questions about the team's future direction and morale.
As the NBA season concludes, the unpredictability of playoff seeding and team performances adds excitement and urgency to each remaining game.
Deep dives
Shea Gildress Alexander's Impact on the Game
Shea Gildress Alexander’s remarkable speed and control, particularly in deceleration, have significantly impacted his scoring ability in the NBA. He excels at maneuvering through defenders and changing speeds effectively, which allows him to score at all three levels—inside, mid-range, and beyond the arc. This prowess underscores his potential as an MVP candidate, showcasing why he is vital to the Oklahoma City Thunder's success. The discussion emphasizes the importance of both speed and skill in modern basketball, illustrating how players can master their athleticism to gain advantages over opponents.
Historic Performance by the Timberwolves
A recent game featured the Minnesota Timberwolves achieving an incredible scoring feat, where they recorded 52 points in a single quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies. This performance set the season record for the most points scored in a quarter, highlighting the Timberwolves' offensive capabilities. Players like Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle shone during this quarter, reflecting the offensive power the Timberwolves possess. This event not only captivated the audience but also raised questions about the defensive struggles of the Grizzlies, particularly as they approach the playoffs.
Implications of the Chicago Bulls' Collapse
In discussing various teams' performances, the utter collapse of the Chicago Bulls also came into focus, culminating in a shocking last-minute loss to the Golden State Warriors. The game exemplified the unpredictability of the NBA, where a sizeable lead can dissipate rapidly, leaving teams vulnerable to surprising defeats. The conversation noted how such unexpected outcomes heighten tension as the season nears its conclusion, impacting playoff seeding. This highlights how a losing streak can have lasting consequences on team morale and positioning in a competitive landscape.
Denver Nuggets' Coaching Decisions
The recent turmoil surrounding the Denver Nuggets, including the firing of head coach Michael Malone, has raised eyebrows and sparked debate regarding the organization's direction. Speculation suggests that internal conflicts over team philosophy and player development contributed to the decision to let Malone go, even with little time left in the season. The timing of this decision implies significant fractures within the organization, prompting questions about player morale and future performance. This situation underscores how crucial it is for NBA franchises to maintain a cohesive vision that aligns both coaching staff and player expectations.
Anticipation of the NBA Playoff Picture
As the NBA season approaches its climax, the anticipation of playoff matchups is fuelling discussions about various teams' prospects. The unpredictability of team performances, illustrated through various narratives—like the Timberwolves' rise, the Bulls' fall, and Denver's coaching change—offers a rich landscape for speculation. The shifting dynamics around playoff seeding and matchups create a heightened sense of excitement and urgency, particularly for teams contending for spots in a fiercely competitive Western Conference. This situation suggests that the upcoming playoffs may be more unpredictable than ever, making each game a critical part of the journey.
Verno and Jacoby discuss the scorching-hot Timberwolves, who beat the Grizzlies last night 141-125 after scoring a league season-high 52 points in the third quarter and 44 points from Anthony Edwards (01:08). They also discuss the goofiness around Ja Morant’s new celebration. Next, they detail why they think the Nuggets cleaned house and fired head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth (18:42). Are the Nuggets the biggest wild card in the playoffs now? The guys then discuss why last night's Knicks-Pistons game wasn’t as important and will likely be the same as tonight’s Lakers-Rockets matchup, Pacers clinching home-court advantage, and why the Clippers could be the scariest team in the first round (42:15). Lastly, the guys discuss Luka Doncic’s epic return to Dallas and debate if Nico Harrison can leave any kind of legacy that doesn’t include trading away Luka (57:36).
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