With Nikola Jokic returning to the lineup after a three-game layoff, spirits were high in the Nuggets camp ahead of last night’s Mavs game. However, their confidence was quickly shaken after they were twenty points ahead in the first half. Yes, they tried to mount a comeback in the second period, but the deficit was too big to overcome. Of course, Michael Malone wasn’t happy with the team’s performance and sent them a serious message after the tough defeat.

He expressed his feelings about the team’s difficulties in the first half, saying: “I think we lost 44 points in the first half. And I told our players at halftime, ‘You know they’re on track to score 88 points.’ You know that made my blood boil.” Obviously missing was their defensive powerhouse Aaron Gordon, who is still recovering from a calf injury. However, Malone understands that this cannot be used as an excuse if they want to fight for a title. Other players need to step up.

In fact, they improved in the second half and gave up significantly fewer points. But it was too little, too late. And Malone blamed the first-half performance for the loss. “I mean, it never comes down to the last five minutes. I thought in the first half we played really bad basketball in every way.”

When asked how he could prevent such situations in the future, he placed the responsibility on the shoulders of the entire team. “I can’t do everything for these guys. I mean, look, you’re professional athletes, we all have a job to do. So everyone just has to be there and do their job. We have to understand who we are and what things are non-negotiable… I’m going to continue to do my job to help these guys prepare. Also, everyone in the locker room is responsible for bringing their own.”

Nikola Jokic continues to dominate, but Jamal Murray needs to step up his game

Despite missing three games, Jokic showed no signs of rust. He was clearly the best player on his team last night as he finished with a triple-double of 33 points. But the rest of the team couldn’t keep up with his energy. Especially Jamal Murray, who only had 14 points on a disappointing 4 of 16 shots.

Additionally, Murray hasn’t performed at his level this year as his averages have dropped to 18.3 points and less than six assists compared to last season. If the Nuggets want to be title contenders again, he has to step up and support Jokic as a second superstar. And the star guard even took responsibility for his team’s problems in a recent interview.

“I take full responsibility. It’s not easy when you don’t play well. It wasn’t easy when people like Nikola and Aaron (Gordon) were out. We were definitely capable of winning these last few games. But for me I have to play better. I have to take that into account. It starts with me.” Hopefully he will put his words into action in the coming games and turn the Nuggets around.