Like other such games offered by professional sports, the NBA All-Star Classic contained little intensity and effort, which greatly displeased Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone. .
The latter led the team of LeBron James and he did not appreciate the game. His criticisms weren’t so much about the result, a 184-175 defeat at the hands of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s side, as about the lack of competitive spirit and fighting spirit. As is the case at this event, the defensive game took the road to oblivion and the stars of the Silver circuit chained the baskets without any constraint.
“It was an honor to be here and to participate in the weekend in the presence of excellent players, but this is the worst game ever played,” said Malone, as reported by the daily newspaper “USA Today”.
“They put on a show for the supporters. Nevertheless, I will not lie by saying that it remains a difficult match to live, ”he added.
Other scathing remarks
For his part, ESPN network commentator Stephen A. Smith surely hopes for better in 2024, when the annual game will be held in Indianapolis.
“I commend Coach Malone for pointing out the lack of effort. We don’t work harder in summer league games during the off-season than in yesterday’s game [dimanche]“, he told the American channel.
“We shouldn’t watch a game believing that everyone can have a place on the playing surface because of the effort put into it. It’s just a bad smell of arrogance, they take the fans for granted.
