PORTLAND — Nuggets coach Michael Malone said he thinks this year ’s schedule is the most positive one his staff is entering his fifth season in Denver.
The 17 national TV matches, together with the Christmas Day game against New Orleans, could be considered tokens of respect from the NBA. Think about the looks a nod to some group that carried itself well in the postseason last spring after finishing second at the Western Conference.
But for the life span of him, he does not have any idea why, after five years at Denver, the Nuggets haven’t opened a season . Wednesday’s season opener at Portland marks the fifth successive year the Nuggets will have opened on the street. In Houston. In New Orleans. In Utah. In Los Angeles. In Portland.
“It’s funny, I don’t even have an excuse because I wasn’t of it,” Malone joked. “Who would I talk to?!
“I think the simple fact we’re, as an illustration of respect (becoming ) national TV games, playing on Christmas Day, (moment ) time in house in franchise history, people are signs of respect in the NBA and also how they view us. ”
Following Wednesday’s match, the Nuggets return home to face Phoenix on Friday night in their home opener. Obviously, Malone found that a silver lining.
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“I think when it was Wednesday night, I still think we’d have a terrific crowd, but I really like our crowds on Friday and Saturday nights,” Malone said. “Fans are all out there enjoying that good Colorado beer along with anything else they’ve recreational for of the fans. ”
Back in Malone’s four yearsago, the Nuggets have produced Pepsi Center a nightmare venue for both opposing teams. A season past the Nuggets have been 34-7 at home. Entire under Malone, the Nuggets have been 105-59 at home.
Malone said his group has to split the .500 markers to be wherever he wants them to become. Last season, the Nuggets have been 20-21 on the street for their very best ending ever under Malone. The 20 wins were only two wins shy of tying the franchise record. This calendar year, Malone has his sights on 22, or more.
&ldquoWe gave us a objective of at least 22, since that was what Western Conference playoff teams totaled is 22,” Malone stated. “Bottom line is we need to be an .500 team in the street, if you want to be a elite group. … Can should you do that, we choose 20 street wins and get to the mid-twenties, which will put yourself in select company? ”
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