Nuggets' Malone responds to Beverley after criticism of Jokic
Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone doesn't seem bothered by Patrick Beverley's criticism of his team's star Nikola Jokic.
The 48-year-old bench boss defended his All-Star center Tuesday after the Los Angeles Clippers guard claimed Jokic was challenging to cover because of his flailing.
"I don't really listen to Patrick Beverley a whole lot. If Kawhi Leonard was talking, maybe I might listen to him. Kawhi's a great player," Malone told reporters, including USA Today's Mark Medina, before highlighting the fact Jokic didn't do most of his damage from the charity stripe in Game 3.
"All you got to do is look at the stat sheet. Zubac attempted more free throws than Nikola Jokic (in Game 3)," Malone continued. "They shot 26 free throws, we shot 10. So I'm not really sure what game Patrick is talking about or looking at, but I really don't warrant and give too much attention to that."
The Nuggets enter Game 4 on Wednesday trailing the Clippers 2-1 in the Western Conference semifinals.