A case can be made that the frustrations between Nikola Jokic (left) and Michael Malone can go both ways. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Malone criticizes Nikola Jokic for play in loss to Boston

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 4/11/21

The Denver Nuggets suffered a remarkable collapse late in Sunday’s game against the Boston Celtics, and coach Michael Malone was particularly unhappy with his star player.

The Celtics closed Sunday’s win on a 40-8 run over the third and fourth quarter in a 105-87 win. The game was particularly frustrating for Nikola Jokic, who grew immensely frustrated with the officiating. On a couple possessions, he failed to get back on defense in a timely manner while complaining to the officials.

At one point in the fourth, Jokic also pointedly excluded himself from Denver’s huddle.

Jokic wants no part of the #Nuggets huddle during the timeout. #Celtics pic.twitter.com/BqygoDI2Wf

— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) April 11, 2021

After the game, Malone said he understood Jokic’s frustration, but suggested that the All-Star center must do a better job of not letting that distract him.

Michael Malone on Nikola Jokic: “He gets frustrated with the referees…. But that can never take away from your duties as a basketball player.”

— Mike Singer (@msinger) April 11, 2021

Jokic ended up finishing with a triple-double, but the line of 17 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds was underwhelming by his high standards.

A case can be made that the frustrations between Jokic and Malone can go both ways. Jokic is a competitive guy, but it’s clear he let some circumstances beyond his control throw off his game in the fourth quarter.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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