Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone calls a play in the course of the first half of an NBA basketball recreation in opposition to the Houston Rockets Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, in Houston. (AP Picture/David J. Phillip)
DENVER — The Denver Nuggets prolonged the contract of coach Michael Malone after he guided the franchise to its first NBA title, an individual aware of the scenario instructed The Related Press on Monday.
The individual spoke to the AP on situation of anonymity as a result of the workforce hadn’t introduced the extension. No phrases of the deal had been disclosed.
Employed by Denver in 2015, Malone has steadily helped flip the Nuggets right into a contender behind the dynamic twosome of level guard Jamal Murray and two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. Malone has gone 375-272 with the Nuggets, which included incomes one of the best mark within the Western Convention final season.
The Nuggets went 16-4 of their playoff run, culminating in successful the NBA crown in 5 video games over the Miami Warmth. Jokic was named the NBA Finals MVP.
Malone was a longtime assistant with New York, Cleveland, New Orleans and Golden State earlier than getting his first head teaching job with Sacramento. He was let go in his second season with the Kings in December 2014.
The 52-year-old Malone has led the Nuggets to the postseason 5 instances since his arrival, together with two appearances within the Western Convention Finals. His 37 postseason wins are essentially the most by any coach in franchise historical past.
He’s the fourth-longest lively tenured coach, trailing Golden State’s Steve Kerr, Miami’s Erik Spoelstra and San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich.
Malone is the son of longtime NBA coach Brendan Malone, who died final month. Brendan Malone was one of many driving forces behind the Detroit Pistons “Unhealthy Boys” defenses within the late Nineteen Eighties and early ’90s.
Michael Malone known as his father his largest fan, mentor and supporter. He mentioned he was considering of his father when the workforce raised the championship banner and gamers acquired their rings on opening night time in opposition to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
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