the Nuggets Just one win away from their first-ever NBA title, but you wouldn’t think so based on coach Michael Malone’s comments on Sunday. Prior to Game 5 in Denver, Malone said that “human nature” is the biggest concern of his team, which is holding a 3-1 advantage.
“Most teams, when they’re 3-1, they come for the air. They take it for granted, ‘Oh, we’re going to win this,'” Malone told reporters. Before we promised and won and we know anything is possible.”
The longtime coach remembers the 2020 Western Conference Semifinals and how Denver came back from a 3-1 deficit over the Clippers. Having been in this position before, he knows exactly what kind of mentality Heat will have.
"My biggest concern going into any elimination game is human nature."
Michael Malone talked about how his team’s experience going down 3-1 and back twice in 2020 has taught them to play desperately, even when leading a series. pic.twitter.com/9wa0YzmB6b
– The NBA June 11, 2023
“Our approach should be that we are down 3-1,” he said. “They are desperate, we have to be more desperate. They are hungry, and we have to be hungrier. The playoffs game is always the hardest game ever.”
The only team to come back from a 3-1 deficit in the Finals was the 2016 Cavaliers when they defeated the Warriors. Miami will try to be second, but it has to start Monday night in Game 5. The tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.