Michael Malone not hitting the panic button despite Nuggets’ 0-4 preseason record

While Malone reassured the media that he is not worried about his team, he didn’t sugarcoat his feelings and his team’s effort in the losing streak. The Nuggets bench, which many analysts have criticized for being very shallow depth-wise, has struggled mightily in the preseason so far.

“That group has gotten ample opportunities but has struggled to go out there and play at a high level,” Malone said of his bench players.

For the second consecutive game, Malone was critical of the Nuggets’ three-point defense. Against the Suns in the third preseason game, Malone went as far as saying the Nuggets ‘got their ass kicked’ from three. In the fourth preseason game, The Thunder would shoot 37% from three-point range. At many points during the game, Thunder players were left wide open for three-point attempts.

Malone was also unhappy with the Nuggets transition defense. The Nuggets would also allow 38 points off of turnovers.

“I mentioned pregame that my biggest concerns: Can we take care of the ball and keep them out of transition?” said Malone. “And we failed miserably in that regard.”

While the Nuggets defense struggled, their offense started hot but slowly started to fizzle out. Michael Porter Jr. would lead the way with 15 points. Julian Strawther and Trey Alexander would follow closely behind with 12 points each.

The Nuggets will have one last opportunity to get a win in the preseason as they are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday.